Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (Dell Publishing, 1991)

Who is James Alexander Malcom McKenzie Fraser? In a recent column at Romancing the Blog, I asked about heroes and quite a few people responded that Jamie Fraser was the man that made their hearts go pitter-patter. That made me go back and reread parts of Outlander, the first of Diana Gabaldon’s series featuring JF.

STATS:

He’s a young, brave Scots warrior with red hair, scars marking his back, a chivalrous disposition, and a burdened past.

Memorable Quote:

“He has cat blood, I reflected sourly, no doubt that was how he managed to sneak up on me in the darkness.” He can sneak up on me in the dark anytime!

Evidence that he’s a warrior:

‘I pulled the bandages off as carefully as I could. Still, the rayon pad stuck to the flesh, coming away with a soft crackling of dried blood. Droplets of fresh blood oozed around the edges of the wound, and I apologized for hurting him, though he hadn’t moved or made a sound.He smiled slightly, with a hint perhaps of flirtation.

“No worry, lass. I’ve been hurt much worse, and by people much less pretty.”‘

Defining Characteristic/Flaw: His need for revenge against Captain Jonathon “Black Jack” Randall.

Most influenced by: The Red Coats, led by the same Captain Jonathon “Black Jack” Randall, invaded the Fraser farm, beat Jamie, and did unthinkable things to Jamie’s sister, Jenny. He was unable to stop his Randall from hurting Jenny, and the knowledge and guilt over this torments him.

LEADING LADY:When twentieth century field nurse Claire Beauchamp time travels, her chance meeting of strapping (and younger man) Jamie McTavinish (Fraser) changes the course of both of their lives. Claire must choose between her commitment to her marriage in the twentieth century and life in eighteenth century Scotland with Jamie.

Clan Mackenzie will never be the same.

BOTTOM LINE:

Jamie’sa WARRIOR, BEST FRIEND, and CHARMER all rolled into one, strapping redheaded Scotsman. He’s honest, gallant, chivalrous, and a fighter. Really, he’s the perfect balance. I can just picture his red hair, the scars criss-crossing his back, and his hands around Claire’s waist as she sits on his lap.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What draws us to Scotsmen? Women all over the world find men like William Wallace, Jamie Frasier, and dozens of others sexy. Is it the kilt? Or the thought of what might be underneath it?