Lighthearted and entertaining as romance grows out of what was supposed to be banishment and punishment for offending the local tavern keeper. Sent to assist the cordwainer's daughter whilst her father is recovering from a serious injury, Gavin MacKeefe learns a little about taking responsibility for the people around him as he observes Davita struggling to keep her family and her father's business together. With the temptation of whisky and tavern wenches constantly knocking on his door, Gavin has a hard time turning away and sticking to the terms of the sentence handed down to him. Ultimately, it is his dream of a future with Davita that gives him the courage to stay true to the course. I found Gavin and his friends, known for their fearlessness in battle, to be immature and irresponsible and it was high time someone took them in hand and taught them about responsibility. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion as more than one problem is solved and Gavin wins the day. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Redemption never felt so good and through making shoes to boot!

I really liked the characters in this book! Gavin being told to go learn to make shoes from a bit too much eating and drinking was a bit silly, but really set his character up for turning his life around. Thoughout the book, seeing Davita let others in to help more really brought out her personality as well. Some of the supporting characters added some fun and complications to the story. Gavin's friends added a lighthearted teasing and wild side, Aila some love drama, and Archy learning to grow up, but hanging onto being a kid (pet toad style).

The romance built nicely with of course some complications due to Gavin and Davita's very different backgrounds. Of course I would have like even more romance, but I did feel it was a good amount to allow the plot to shine.

I am looking forward to the next book for Cam's punishment to be allowed back into the Clan. His carefree nature will make it interesting to see what happens.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Rose so I wasn't familiar with the backstories of some of the characters which made the author's note at the beginning very helpful. Overall, I did enjoy the book. Gavin and the other outcasts added some much-needed levity throughout the novel. I liked that Davita had a physical attraction to Gavin but didn't get all lovestruck like happens in some romance novels. Her reaction to meeting him was one of the more amusing parts because you understood why she wasn't filled with optimism about him being able to help her. I liked that Gavin was so intent on helping Davita, but didn't always like that he stepped in and took over, basically telling her everything she was doing was wrong. His willingness to stay in the village with Davita showed his commitment to and love for her so I forgave him a little. I was not a fan of Davita's siblings, Aila is so self-centered and selfish that she doesn't seem to really appreciate anything Davita is doing to keep their family afloat. I know Archy is young, but he also doesn't seem to appreciate his sister or be willing to do anything to help her. As far as pacing and plot go, my only big complaint was that Davita is always talking about how behind she is with her work but there never really seems to be a rush to get anything done or at least we don't get to see her doing much work during the day. I'm definitely looking forward to see what woman finally gets Cam to change his ways because it will no doubt not be an easy feat.

This was a good story with a lot of interesting history weaved into the plot. I always enjoy a romance story that not only entertains but teaches me things as well, this story did both. This is the first story I have read by Elizabeth Rose and I am already eager for the next books of the series. While I can’t claim that this story was angsty or had the delicious sexual tension between the MCs there was still enough going on to keep me engaged in the story. I did think the characters acted a bit immature and the conflict was too easily overcame … but I am one who likes to see the characters EARN their HEA 😉 I also found the intimate interactions between the MCs to be lacking in heat and emotion.

Overall 3.5 Stars ⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥 | Chemistry 2 ❤️‍🔥

Hero's, Dungeons, and Romance
A fabulous beginning to a new series "The Highland Outcasts".
Fans of Ms.Rose have met some these characters in previous books and now
some star in their own story. These are stand-alone tales filled with finding
oneself and discovering a romance of their own.
This story is about Gavin and Davita.
Not only the main characters but the entire cast are a delight to get to know and we
follow all of them through many emotional challenges and laugh out loud situations.
Their love story is very heartfelt and is quite funny and enjoyable to read.
Even though their romance story is sweet that doesn't mean it's lacking in desirable steam.
There's plenty of romance that had my heart throbbing.
The authors writing skills had me totally engrossed into the wee hours of the night.
The authors note at the end has some interesting history. I had never heard of
a Cordwainer before and some of the rules that go with the shop owners.
I highly recommend his story to all romance readers.
I did receive and advanced copy for my honest opinion,
Mature Reader Advisory: