HIGHLAND OUTLAW – Monica McCarty
The Campbell Trilogy - Book 2
Ballantine Books
ISBN: 978-0-345-50339-8
March 2009
Historical Romance

Clackmannanshire, Scotland - 1608

The MacGregors are known outlaws and have been so for over seventy years. They were forced off their lands and are now hunted like wild animals. Their enemies, the Campbells, are just as bad as the MacGregors and accuse them of horrible deeds. All the MacGregors want is their rightful lands back. Patrick, the Laird of clan MacGregor, wants nothing more than to have a home. He attends an archery competition where the Campbells are also present. Patrick pretends to be Patrick Murray so he will not be found out. There, he sees the beautiful Elizabeth Campbell. Patrick overhears Elizabeth’s betrothed making fun of her because of her stammer. Elizabeth also overhears this and runs away ashamed and almost trips and falls to the ground, but Patrick saves her from harming herself.

Patrick finds Elizabeth perfect regardless of her stammer, especially because her dowry is so vast. Patrick will woo Elizabeth and make her his wife so he can have the lands that were once MacGregor lands. It will be two years later when Patrick and Elizabeth see each other again.

Elizabeth is on her way to Dunoon Castle where her cousin, the Earl of Argyll, requires her to make an appearance. Elizabeth assumes it is to discuss her still unmarried state. She ended her betrothal and really can’t see herself married to anybody. She has finally overcome her stammer and wishes for a peaceful life. Her carriage is attacked by some of the MacGregors. Before Elizabeth can come to harm, some men come to her aid and defeat her enemy. The man who saves her calls himself Patrick Murray. Elizabeth welcomes Patrick and his men to accompany her to the Castle. That is where Patrick will have his revenge.

Patrick’s men want him to kidnap Elizabeth, but he longs for something more. He lusts for Elizabeth and, after witnessing her bravery and kind heart, he prefers to make her his wife. Now, instead of just wanting her for her lands, Patrick wants a true marriage filled with passion and, most importantly, love.

Patrick is the ultimate HIGHLAND OUTLAW in the second book in Monica McCarty’s Campbell Trilogy. HIGHLAND OUTLAW is set during the same time as the first book, HIGHLAND WARRIOR. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed in the least about this continuing tale of the feuding between the Campbells and the MacGregors. Ms. McCarty shows that love can conquer all even when it comes to war.

Patrick MacGregor is a strong ruler who is at odds with his clan members and family who want to destroy the Campbells. Everything changes for him the moment he meets Elizabeth Campbell. Their romance is much like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but Patrick and Elizabeth will try their best to be together even though the odds are stacked against them.

Elizabeth is a wonderfully written heroine; even though her stammering is brought up, it is soon forgotten. Perhaps Ms. McCarty felt this was a handy plot device to bring these two lovers together? Even so, the way things progress between Elizabeth and Patrick is nicely done. Their interactions are sweet, and when Elizabeth decides she won’t let Patrick walk out of her life, the passion that has been building between them explodes.

Elizabeth’s brothers treat her with care and understanding, especially Jamie, who is the hero of HIGHLAND WARRIOR. Patrick almost ruins his relationship with his own brother, Gregor, who is so filled with hatred for the Campbells, he would even kill Elizabeth.

Monica McCarty is building a name for herself in the romance world, and she has quite the skill at writing wonderful Scottish romances. For an entertaining reading treat, pick up HIGHLAND OUTLAW.

Kate Garrabrant