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!!!

It started with Beth Ackerly, who is a widow; and is planning on marrying a Sir Lyndon Mather. However upon hearing this news Lord Ian Mackenzie knowing some horrible truths about Mather's convinces Beth to cancel her engagement to the man. Then shockingly asks Beth to marry him; but Beth knows that she can't marry someone again, especially since she doesn't know much about Ian, apart from the fact that there is a heat that sizzles between them. She heads off to Paris, realizing that she wants to do some things for herself, she has the financing to do it. So she heads off to Paris, leaving Ian a note telling him that she must decline his offer. Ian chases after her to Paris, not knowing why but feeling the need to follow her. In Paris, Beth is amazed to find friends that happen to be related to Ian. Through a twist of fate, Beth ends up marrying Ian in the end, and they head to his family's home. Ian is rumored to have a madness, since his father sent him to a mental institution when he was a teenager. However Beth knows there is no madness within Ian, only a man that has been tormented. She knows some truths about his past, and two of his past lovers have been killed. The rumor is that he murdered them, but Beth goes about to prove his innocence. However the more she uncovers the more danger she diggs herself in; and the more powerful the desire that builds between Beth and Ian.

I honestly loved this one, I didn't know how I would at first, but I have heard great things about this book so I decided to read it and give it a chance. I have always loved reading from Jennifer Ashley, and I have to say I continually fall in love with all of her books. Ashley has the ability to portray the books that she has written to a point that it seems so real for the reader, the same is true for this one as well. I fell in a whirlwind of adventure, sensuality, mystery, romance within the pages of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, the only problem that I had with this book is that it seemed to go kinda slow at the beginning but then it picked up and it was a great read!!! One I could hardly put down, and the characters captivated my interest, and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series 'Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage' which will come out in July.

Alaric knows that he has a duty and honor to his clan and in order to futhur their protection he must marry Rionna McDonald and become their laird and secure their future. On his way to the McDonald land, he and his men are attacked and he barely manages to escape and is later found gravely injured by Keeley McDonald who has been kicked out of her clan and lives in a small cottage on the outskirts. When Keely finds an injured stranger she endeavors to save his life, a stirring passion builds between them. However with Alaric's impending marriage and his duty to his clan and despite the love he feels for Keeley he knows he has an obligation to his family no matter the cost but sometimes love gets in the way of duty and honor.Seduction Of A Highland Lass is the first book that I have read by this author and I just was overwhelmed with this love story and how well written the story was, and I couldn't help but fall madly in love with the characters, so vividly portrayed in this book I couldn't put it down....it drew me so strongly in the story I couldn't put it down until I had finished with the very last page....Even though its the second installment in the series I found I didn't get too lost or anything with the plot and even though I really want to read the first one now....I am still thrilled that I found this one. Its been a while since I have read a book that totally captivated me and drew me so intensely into a romance that I felt like I was actually there.I really enjoyed the conflict that is presented in the story line, it definitely will bring a tear to your eyes and is very emotionally wrenching, and in some books it needs to be well presented and this one definitely was. I have no problem with this book....it was full of sensual love scenes, vividly painted characters, and a love story that will just bring out every tender emotion the reader possesses.

I have read from this author before and just fell in love with her books. I will admit that I had a hard time getting into this one until the end....it almost became a chore. I usually wouldn't have kept up with it so far...but the plot was decent, and I just had to see how it turned out. Even though toward the end I started to really enjoy the story, I found myself skimming almost through the majority of the book...which is a shame. Also I think the strong accents in the book, didn't exactly help any, it takes a while to get used to. Since they are very overly strong, it can be really hard to understand, so it takes a lot longer to read. However I did like the characters, but overall it didn't stand out to me as much as her other books. I think I had high expectations so I got really disappointed. Even though there were a few things that I enjoyed, it didn't sing to me, so I was frustrated quite a lot since it never takes me three days to get a book read. Hopefully the next one that I read of hers will be better.

Favorite Quote
"Don't try again to tell me my business. I--"
Grabbing her by the upper arms, he gave her a shake that broke off her reply, making her eyes widen and her lips part in shock.
They looked invitingly soft and rosy.
He had intended to tell her just what he though of her behavior. Instead, without another thought, he pulled her close and kissed her hard.

Charlotte, has lived most of her life protecting herself and her father, now he has been taken by King Kenneth's soldiers, and now she is desperate to find her father at any cost. So she decides to dress like a boy, so its easier to go about the countryside in search of her beloved father. Then she runs into Bryce MacAlpin, who only see's her as "Charles". Bryce, can't believe that he is willing to help this urchin, when he needs to focus on his special quest to restore the true King to power, however there is something about Charles he can't put his finger on, but knows he needs to help him find his father. But when he finds out that Charles is not a boy at all but a beautiful woman...he can't resist the desire he feels for her, and he will have to choose between the duty to his family and country, or the love he feels for Charlotte. A Warrior's Promise is the third in the Warrior King Series, and the first I have been able to read in the series so far, and I am totally hooked. Its been a while since I have read from this author, but I have enjoyed her stories, and this was is one of my favorites of her works. I really enjoyed the characters, including the side characters (Bryce's Family), very entertaining and full of life, they almost seemed real. The story kinda started out slow, but once I got into the story it really picked up speed, and I found myself not able to put it down. Bryce, is the kind of hero, the just makes you want to gobble him up and keep him chained in your bedchamber LOL. He is utterly irresistable, protective, and a tender and caring lover, but very dedicated to family and honor, who could resist such a man?? Charlotte, is not your usual heroine, she has had to fight to survive, she is brave and yet she does have a softer side as well, and I couldn't help but love her to pieces, she had qualities that were very endearing. The plot was exciting and definitely had some unexpected surprises, that fully satisfied me. Overall A Warrior's Promise, was a exciting and fun read, with moments of suspense and passion and I can hardly wait to read the rest of the series. A Romance You Have To Read!!!!
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Mary Hurst, when finding out one of her brothers, is a prisoner, and needs to find a certain ancient box to trade for him, she heads up north to Scotland to find the artifact so she can save her brother's life. After traveling long hours and when she finds the Earl of Erroll, he is less than understanding to her 'story' and goes about and keeps her prisoner in his castle. Angus, although he is tempted to believe Mary, he knows that there is someone that is after the priceless artifact and he must be a hundred percent Mary is who she says she is, and knows that keeping her here until he can bring a colleague of his to confirm her identity is the only way. What Angus never imagined was the intense connection that flares between them with just one kiss, and he knows that he must never give in, because if he does than he will fall for her...hard
One Night in Scotland is the first book in the Hurst Amulet series, and I have always loved her books and this was pretty amazing, not my favorite of hers, but enthralling and was like many of her other books where it just draws you into the story vividly. One of the things that I loved about this book is how perfect both Mary and Angus seem to be for each other, even though there are some pretty heated arguments, and violent tantrums that just made me laugh, and think 'oh boy, I hope I never meet a man that makes me want to sing like a banchee or an opera singer just to get his attention'. Although once I really got into the, I started to find myself really enjoying the story, the characters, the plot and the amusing interaction between the characters, that made it a fun tale of romance with a hint of mystery that will make you not want to put the book down and keep on reading until the sun goes down.