Mattie Adams, raised by her mother and stepfather, had a very unusual upbringing on the American frontier. Until she was in her early teens, the only home she knew was the Dorsey gang's hideout in the Rocky Mountains. During that time, she witnessed the abuse her mother endured at the cruel hands of her stepfather.

Mattie and her mother devise a plan to escape, but things don't go as planned. As Mattie makes her escape alone, she worries for her mother's safety and fears her dead. After days of wandering around lost, tired and hungry, Mattie is rescued by handsome rancher Will McCarthy. He takes her to nearby Wayside Station, but she leaves soon after to go live with relatives in St Louis. Now, six years later, Mattie is returning with hope that her mother may be alive.

Will, the one to notify Mattie about her mother, has other reasons for her return. His ranch, like many others in the area, is suffering losses to cattle rustlers. It's believed to be the work of the Dorsey gang, and Will needs Mattie's help to locate their hideout. The other more important reason is that since that day six years ago, he's never gotten Mattie out of his mind or heart. He's determined to win her love.

Will organizes a posse and they begin their journey to locate the gang. But while on the trail, someone fires shots at Mattie. Is the Dorsey gang nearby, or is someone in the posse trying to kill her? As they near the hideout, hope of finding her mother alive and safe courses through Mattie's veins. Will Mattie and Will find love on the trail, and what does their future hold?

OUTLAW'S BRAT was a fun book to read. It's a great love story filled with strong characters. I look forward to reading more of Scofield's books.