Outlaw King by Julie Johnstone

August 25, 2018

Outlaw King by Julie Johnstone

My rating: 5 out of 5 Roses

Series: Renegade Scots, Book 1

Publication Date: August 31, 2018

She’s the weapon intended to destroy him. He’s the key to her freedom.

Dark days have come to Scotland, and fierce warrior Robert the Bruce would do anything to release his country from English rule—and not just because he’s the rightful heir to the Scottish throne. As the bloody war rages on, enemies on both sides of the fight surround him, and Robert must dance a dangerous line between truth and deception. One misstep could topple his nation and cost him his life, yet one woman tempts him—and threatens his mission—as no other ever has.

Elizabeth de Burgh longs for freedom in a time when women have none. So when she finds herself ordered by her ruthless father and her godfather, the King of England, to seduce the leader of the Scottish rebellion and reveal his secrets, she yearns to fight back against their cruel plot. But they threaten to kill her beloved cousin, leaving her no choice but to comply. As she grows close to Robert and the mask that hides the man who would be king is peeled away, she cannot imagine aiding in the destruction of the noble Scot bent on liberating his people.

Bound by duty and honor but ensnared by passion, Robert and Elizabeth must determine if they are each other’s biggest threat or greatest source of strength. And moreover, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for the one thing neither ever imagined they’d find with the other—extraordinary, boundless love.

 

History and romance collide in this fabulous tale of the man destined to free Scotland from English rule and the woman sent to destroy him.

I will be completely honest, I wasn’t sure if I would like a story based on real people and actual events. Having thoroughly enjoyed Julie Johnstone’s books in the past I knew it was well worth a try. Boy, am I glad I did…this book is FREAKIN’ FANTASTIC! The perfect blend of history, fiction, and romance.

Ms. Johnstone’s writing skills were shining brightly as she brought Robert the Bruce and Elizabeth de Burgh to life in Outlaw King. Emotions leapt from the pages as Robert struggled with what he needed to do (and hold his tongue while doing it). As Elizabeth walked the line of doing what was expected and what she felt was right, you could see her strength and steely determination. Add the twists of forces that would see them brought down and uncovering who was friend or foe and you have a 10+star tale.

Thank you, Ms. Johnstone for one hell of story that opened my eyes to the perfect blend of history, fiction, and romance.

I received a arc copy from the author for an honest and unbiased review.