True Confessions time: When I was in high school/early college, I loved Scottish romances. More precisely, I loved bad Scottish romances. They were full of “ochs,” “ayes,” “dinna,” “canna,” and “doesna”, and there were all manner of strapping, virile heroes and dainty but feisty lassies. As I studied history in college and learned more about the region (not to mention getting more of a clue in general), I found my love waning. I still have a fondness for the well-written Scottish historicals (along with a few guilty pleasures) and I was thankful to find Highland Outlaw to be part of the contingent that is more well-done than not.

By well-done, I don’t mean 100% realistic and accurate. However, the author does pay attention to the history and steers clear of some the dialect abuses I recall from my past reading. This novel, set in 1608, tells something of a Romeo and Juliet story between an outlawed and landless McGregor and the Campbell heiress who captures his heart.

Patrick MacGregor’s clan once owned their land outright. Unable to prove their claim (and having backed the wrong faction way back when), they lost their land and for a time held it as mere tenants. Eventually one of the Campbell lairds cast them out all together. I’ll spare you the intricate history lecture, but it is fair to say that the MacGregors were left destitute and in dire straits. Even so, Patrick retains his pride and determination to reclaim a home.

Two years before the main action begins, Patrick finds himself at a gathering. Though he risks his life if caught on Campbell land, his cousin plans to use to opportunity to compete in the games being held and then escape. Initially, I found this plan unrealistic and a bit eyeroll-inducing. However, it does give Patrick a chance to meet – and be affected by – Lizzie Campbell, and the author soon moves into the real meat of the story.

While travelling to her cousin’s home with her maid, Lizzie is set upon by a band of men who kill and injure many of her guards. A mysterious man comes to her aid and eventually introduces himself to her as Patrick Murray. He claims that he and his men are bound to France to try to earn their living with their swords. However, before leaving, Patrick escorts Lizzie to her destination and once there, finds himself invited to stay at the Campbell keep and work among the guardsmen. Though Patrick runs the risk of discovery if he stays, he remains because he has his own plan – and his attraction to Lizzie doesn’t hurt.

Afflicted by a stammer, Lizzie has been considered undesirable despite her dowry. She has had engagements ended and even overheard one suitor mocking her to his friends. Despite these problems and the insecurities they cause her, she reacts with determination and has managed to largely overcome her speech problems though one can see hints of the insecurities lingering as she worries over whether anyone can really love her. Even though the obstacles between Patrick and Lizzie really do feel insurmountable, they are in certain ways very good for one another. As Patrick stays with the Campbells, he starts to build a rapport with Lizzie that he hopes will be strong enough to survive the inevitable discovery of his decpetion.

Though parts of the story are rather unbelievable and overly dramatic, the author still manages to create a grittier world than that I am used to finding in Scotland-set romances and, while not entirely accurate, it did feel more genuine than some books I’ve read. As she notes in her Author’s Note, McCarty has taken certain liberties with the history, but I appreciated that she acknowledged this and explained some of the historical background rather than just leaving the reader to wonder. With likable characters, an interesting tale, and history that plays a larger role than simply mere wallpaper, Highland Outlaw is an entertaining read that I enjoyed even considering the issues I noted here.