Would I recommend Outlander to a friend? Sure! If I knew they had about 2 months to spare, because that’s probably how long it’ll take to finish. The plot may be strong, and full of twists and turns, but at over 870 pages it should have been broken up into 2 books. Or maybe 5.
Claire Randall is a married woman living in 1945, spending a romantic second honeymoon away with her husband when she is suddenly whisked away through some Scottish standing stones to another time. 1743 to be exact. So much for a relaxing night in front of the fire with your hubby.
While adjusting to this new time, she meets a rugged Scottish warrior named James (Jamie) Fraser who has a pretty impressive long sword, if you know what I mean (hint, hint; wink, wink). What’s a woman to do? I think we all have some pretty unsavory ideas.
Despite the extensive length of this novel, it is actually very successful in keeping your interest throughout the whole thing. There’s danger, family struggle, rescuing of the damsel in distress, and even the man in distress! Granted, you’ll need about 100 note cards to keep all of the names straight, as there are about a billion different people you’re introduced to, and they all tend to blend together. Claire is a very likable and strong heroine, although I found it somewhat unbelievable that she handles being transported in time so well. She sort of just chalks it up to fate, and decides to roll with it. Hell, if it were me I’d probably be crouching in a corner crying and pulling my hair out. But that’s just me.
Consider this a minor spoiler alert: Claire and Jamie engage in some hiding the broadsword between the sheets. As far as their nocturnal activities are concerned, they are nice and steamy, and provided in some explicit detail. Jamie might be a rough around the edges Scotsman, but he’s actually very loving and surprisingly sweet when it comes to Claire. He’ll quickly become your ideal warrior. Yummy!
Series: Outlander series, book 1 of 8
Should you read it? Yes, especially since they just started the TV series on Starz. I’ve been waiting for this for over 7 years!!
Smut Level: When you’re finished with this book you’ll probably want to buy a one way ticket to Scotland, and search for your very own standing stones to travel through.
Buy it on Amazon: Click Here
Romance Novels for the Beach 
I really wanted to get into this and I couldn’t get through it. I feel like maybe I should give it another shot.
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It is a really long read. All of the names and little details made it hard to stick with at times. Give it one more go, but don’t bother reading the rest of the series. The books just get longer!
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This book was great and I really like the series, but with years between books it’s very hard to stay involved in it. I was very into them at first because the first four books had already been published when I found Outlander. Still, a good series if you’ve got a lot of free time on your hands. 🙂
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That is so true! The time between books really makes a difference. I recently finished book 5 in the series and it was just awful. I’m finding it very hard to get psyched for the sixth, but I know I’ll forget everything if I wait too long 😦
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I’ve read all of them. They take a bit, but I’ve enjoyed the lost hours/sleep. I was kinda trepidatious about Written in my own Heart’s Blood, (because I had a serious problem with hoe Echo in the Bone ended) but I was completely happy with WimoHB.
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Love this series!
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I’ve not read this book but am truly fascinated by the tv series trailer. So far I’ve read good reviews about the series. What do you think?
I might read the book if I can find time. 🙂
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I have only seen the 1st episode, but I was pleasantly surprised. Because I’ve been waiting for a TV/Film adaptation for so long I was worried it wouldn’t live up to my expectations, but it’s captured my interest. I think if you haven’t read the books you might find the show to be a little boring at first, whereas I appreciated all of the detail they brought in from the novels. But it’s nice to finally see Jamie in all of his kilt-wearing glory!
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I read this one years ago, and despite the length it was a good read. I’ve never forgotten it.
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I bought a paperback of this book worth $0.91. It was in a sale. And when I looked at the page count, I flinched. I’m still hesitant to read it and I feel guilty that it’s sitting on my bookshelf gathering dust.
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Wow! For .91 that’s a steal. Outlander does take a lot of time, but it keeps your interest. Just be prepared for a loooong read
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Ugh. I don’t have much patience when reading a very long book. I’ll just hope that Outlander does hold my interest because I’m willing to carve time just to read this book. (Since I’m really interested to watch the TV series.)
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I really want to read this book, but it’s so long lol I’ll watch the pilot and If I like the show maybe, just maybe I’ll pick it up (:
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I love the show, but I actually found the pilot to be a bit boring, mainly because there is so much build-up! If I were you, I’d suggest watching at least the first 2 episodes
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Okay, thanks for the suggestion! I’ll do that (:
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