Highland Soul

Highland Soul

Highland Outcasts #1

Elizabeth Rose

★★★☆☆

Gavin MacKeefe, a Highland Warrior, is banished from his clan along with several friends because they broke the rules in Cullim MacKeefe’s tavern. In order to be redeemed and allowed back into the clan, Gavin must go to town and assist the cordwainers daughter since her father is injured and unable to work. Gavin helps Davita when she desperately need it; work is far behind, her sister is too flirty and her brother is a thief. Gavin and his friends are sometimes are more work than worth, but they help Davita in their own way. Little does Gavin know that he will fall in love with Davita and her family.  

The Plot

Gavin and his friends make a mess of the clans tavern and Gavin’s punishment is to help the cordwainer’s daughter at her fathers shop. He knows nothing about shoemaking, but he does find other ways to help her around the house so Davita can focus on work. Poor Davita is dealing with taking care of her injured father, her rebellious sister, her brother thieving, the new cobbler harassing her, and the guilds upcoming inspection. They both helped each other grow: Gavin to mature and quit drinking and overindulging and Davita to rely on others to help her at home and at work. 

The Heroine

Davita is strong and selfless, spending all her time and energy into helping keep her fathers business going while he injured. She struggles to be a mother to her rebellious siblings and also run the household. When Gavin arrives, he can tell she desperately needs someone to look after her! Although very mature when it comes to her responsibilities, Davita was very immature when it came to relationships and naive about men especially Gavin. 

The Hero

Gavin was very immature until he arrived at Davitas home. Spending all his time fighting, drinking, or eating. But almost instantly upon seeing Davita, he turns into a relatively mature, protective man. Almost as if he just needed a reason to ‘grow up’ to be a responsible man. He definitely struggled with the changes, but he was very sweet and patient with Davita and her family. 

The Steam

There was a  scene or two but it wasn’t very steamy to me, more awkward. 

Stand Out Moment

When Davitas brother runs away and Gavin searches to find him and we learn a lot more about Gavin’s story. 

Who Would Like This

If you’re looking for a good factual history lesson with a little romance thrown in the mix. 

Final Thoughts

It was a cute story, but I didn’t feel a huge connection between Davita and Gavin other than the need to take of each other, not a lot of passion. 

Tropes

Virgin heroine, Class Difference, Medieval Era, Stuck together,  Scotland, Highland Warrior