Susan Johnson

When her enemy, the infamous Laird of Ravensby, abducts her in order to win his brother's freedom from an English dungeon, Elizabeth Graham finds herself strangely attracted to this notorious privateer. Original.

Outlaw

Lover of Romance 

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!!!

Outlaw

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