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MacKenzie-Blackthorn #3

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Tennessee Blackthorn, drsný předák z ranče Rocking M, pohledný a nebojácný, kterého si ještě žádná žena nedokázala osedlat, má ve své minulosti bolavé místo, které tají přede všemi. Jednoho dne narazí na archeoložku Dianu Saxtonovou – ženu posedlou minulostí, která se ale bojí současnosti. Proč tomu tak je? Jsou snad i v její minulosti trýznivá tajemství? Dokážou oba zhojit staré rány a najít společnou budoucnost v nádherném prostředí nezkrotné divočiny?

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

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About the author

Elizabeth Lowell

212 books1,937 followers
Individually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.

In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).

Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.

To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.

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5 stars
397 (33%)
4 stars
415 (35%)
3 stars
279 (23%)
2 stars
66 (5%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
343 reviews88 followers
December 12, 2020
Third in a series of related Western romances (originally Silhouette Desire line). Not bad! Archaeologist Diana Saxton visits the ranch at the heart of the series to research Anasazi artifacts and is instantly attracted to "ramrod" (ranch foreman) Tennessee Blackthorn. Unfortunately, Diana has a bad experience in her past that has made her afraid of men and sex: . Ten is a gamma hero--alpha and fearless when it comes to protecting his own, but patient and understanding as mutual attraction kindles between him and Diana. The heat between them builds slowly and sweetly. The descriptions of the high-country redrock landscape are wonderful, and the tie-ins with other books in the series and the fictional history of the families and the land are a nice frame for the story. Lots of interesting details about potshards, pothunters, Anasazi, etc.

The resolution of the heroine's trauma is a little lightweight (love conquers all!), but overall this was an entertaining book. I liked Tennessee as a hero (he's not nearly as alphaholish as the heroes in the first two books in the series, and while I enjoy my vintage asshats, it's nice to take a break). I'm looking forward to the remaining two books in the series!
Profile Image for Saly.
3,437 reviews581 followers
November 11, 2018
3.5 stars
This one was a typical old school category. Our heroine is terrified of all men after her one bad experience years ago. Unfortunately, she has to contend with the hero for her own protection. She starts to feel safe around him and decides to try and stretch her wings all the while knowing the hero isn't interested in long-term because of his bad marriage. Not too bad actually!
Profile Image for Crista.
828 reviews
September 19, 2021
I have been re-reading old favorite of mine this summer and The Rocking M series by Elizabeth Lowell is one of my all time favorite series that dates back 25 years!

The Rocking M series should be read in order because the characters thankfully move from one book to the next and the relationships continue to develop from book to book. This book is Tennessee Blackthorne's book. We met him in Fire and Rain as the ramrod of the Rocking M ranch. To be honest, I fell in love with his character in Fire and Rain, and at times, wanted him to be the hero of that book! His kindness, sensitivity, and yet lethal toughness was a compelling mix that demanded his own story. Thankfully he got a great story with this one!

Dr. Diana Saxton has come to the Rocking M to study old Anasazi ruins. She has been badly abused by men in her past and has been severely impacted by that abuse. She doesn't trust men and seeks to avoid them at all costs. When she realizes that the Rocking M is filled with men, she is uncomfortable and afraid (to say the least).

Ten is confusing to Diana because although she witnesses a fight in which Ten lethally and decidedly beats down a man who is physically larger than him, she also witnesses him gently care for a tiny kitten and tenderly hold Luke and Carla's infant son. This dichotomy is difficult for Diana to reconcile as she fights an unwilling attraction to the foreman of the Rocking M.

What I love about this book is that Ten and Diana are given time together on a remote camp site as she is researching old ruins. Diana is dealing with the competing emotions of fear and desire. Ten gives her all the space she needs, as he fights the attraction that he feels for her. Diana and Ten develop a sweet friendship as they spend many days alone together, as Diana's carefully constructed boundaries begin to crumble.

The intimate scenes between Ten and Diana are as tender as they are hot, and I loved watching Diana learn to trust and believe that men can be loving.

We get to catch up with Luke and Carla, who are now living happily ever after, and other characters are introduced as well. Tennessee's elusive and remote brother, Nevada, has just returned from war and is hired on at the ranch, His story will also be told, as well as Cash McQueen, Carla's brother. This is a terrific series that delivers consistently and becomes as much about a family as it does the individual couples.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for T..
909 reviews20 followers
July 18, 2015
I read this when it was first released as a paperback, February's Man of the Month for Silhouette in 1990. I bought all four of this series (at the time there were only four) and the paperbacks have moved with me through many states and many re-readings. Now that they are available as Kindle books, I purchased them again and am reading them on my Kindle.

This book is just as good as I remember it being! I love Tennessee Blackthorn, Outlaw.
Profile Image for C K.
208 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2012
This series (Granite Man, Fire and Rain, Warrior, Outlaw) on the people of Rocking M ranch is fantanstic! This is an author that I have read a lot of and have added her books to my 'keeper' book shelf. Most I have read at least twice and some even more than that. Always in depth characters that anyone can identify with on some level.
126 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2022
There was a conversation about cowboys so it seemed like the perfect read. Short, sweet and super cute, definitely fun cowboy material!
Profile Image for Maddie.
114 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2010
This is my second favorite by Elizabeth Lowell. If you love Alpha Heros and lots of tension, this has got it. You always know this type of guy is 'forever faithful' and that's about all I need in a good Romance Novel
Profile Image for L.
163 reviews
April 18, 2025
This book deserves its laurels. I felt like a sobbing mess the second half of the book but it was so worth the read.

Re-read: almost made it to the end without tears, but I ended up crying again

Re-re-read: genuinely one of my favourite books of all time, just absolutely perfect
Profile Image for Michael K.
796 reviews31 followers
December 12, 2015
Quick read! Loved it, of course it's cute. This one's pretty sexual in nature--concept and all, but it's still a pretty good read.
Profile Image for Vicious Vaska.
3 reviews2 followers
Read
May 30, 2020
Ten is my favourite hero of all times,
too bad they usually end up with annoying heroines.
The guy is tall, handsome, muscular and has a
restraint that makes him Lowell's most powerful character IMO.
He's a war veteran yet lacks drama, he's got self-control,
he's experienced and just soo perfect.
I had a picture of Eli Roth as Donny from Inglorious
basterds in my head as Tennessee Blackthorn
while reading Outlaw. He's got the eyelashes for it lol. 😄
Here's my Ten
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e1/47/...
https://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/u...
7 reviews
May 9, 2023
First book I have read from this author. I enjoy a good romance story and having a manly cowboy with charm had appeal. I enjoyed the character of Ten Blackburn immensely. The romance was hot and I liked how Ten took his time, patiently & carefully, as the heat built between him and the damaged Diana. Where I found downfall with the story was the overuse of Ten calling Diana “baby,” that just didn’t work for me, and I was turned off wirh Diana’s need to have Ten’s baby inside her. The romance was hot, they seemed incredibly hot together, let that be enough for awhile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
256 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
I read this many many years ago, but it has never completely left me. Something about the Blackthorn males wouldn't let me go. So off I went to search for a book that I couldn't remember the name of and a character who I remembered as Ten. I was incredibly lucky and happy to find this tale. Even more blessed to find the entire series.

So yes, please read and enjoy the tale of a man with his head up his ass and the woman who saves him from suffocation.
130 reviews23 followers
Read
April 14, 2014
"Había un hombre que le daba la espalda, un desconocido con amplios hombros que estira-ban al máximo la tela negra de su camisa. La sugerencia de poder masculino estaba acentuada por la anchura de su espalda que se reducía hasta llegar a unas estrechas caderas, los músculos relajados y la total confianza de su postura inmóvil con sus vaqueros negros y botas negras pulidas por el uso" "Diana alzó la vista durante un instante y recibió una viva impresión de unos ojos claros y brillantes enmarcados por unas negras pestañas tan espesas que cualquier mujer las habría envidiado. Las pestañas eran la única sugerencia de suavidad que había en Ten, pero eso tranquilizó a Diana de algún modo" "Lo que necesitas ahora es un poco de sueño y CTC. ―¿CTC? ¿Es una medicina?Ten sonrió otra vez. ―La mejor del mundo. Cuidados Tiernos y Cariñosos" "Un perro listo no necesita que le den la misma lección dos veces. Soy mucho más listo que un perro" "Ten había sido inesperado desde el primer momente en que lo vio. Cuanto más tiempo estaba a su alrededor, más imprevisible se hacía" "Los contrastes y contaradicciones del hombre llamado Tenneesse Blacktorn cautivaban tanto como irritaban a Diana" "Diana se volvió y miró a Ten con sus ojos azules tan oscuros y tan profundos como la tormenta que se condensaba al oeste" "ella miró fijamente en las claras profundidades de sus ojos y sintió una mezcla curiosa de hambre y cautela, anhelo y confianza" "El sonido de su nombre en los labios de Ten irradió sensaciones por su cuerpo de la cabeza a los pies" "La música callada de la risa de Diana llamó la atención de Ten" "Una luz destelló en la penumbra, la sonrisa de Ten" "Diana se sentó paralizada, atrapada por el brillo diamantino de los ojos de Ten mirándola, la seguridad aterciopelada de su voz que la acarciaba." "él era tan oscuro y enigmático como la ventosa noche, y como las estrellas, sus ojos tenían un brillo plateado" "Ella puso su mano en la de él. La calidez de su fuerte palma era como una flama contra sus nerviosos y helados dedos" "él sintió su pulsó acelerarse, lo que hizo que el suyo se acelerara en respuesta" "Bésame-¿Cómo? ¿Fuerte o suave? ¿Intenso o sereno? ¿Rápido o que dure tanto que no puedas recordar una época en que nonos estuviéramos besando? Nunca he conocido esa clase de beso, pero mirándote, puedo creer que existe.-¿Cómo quieres besarme?-De cada forma que exista" "Cuando empezaste a besarme me olvidé de todo lo demás" "Prohibido por debajo de la clavícula en el frente y por debajo de la cintura por detrás" "Sus palabras eran luz, su voz era terciopelo, pero sus ojos eran gris llameante que hacia temblar sus rodillas" "Cariñoso y dulce, caliente y salvaje, el beso resplandeció con la unión de los dos y la sensual consumación de dos bocas completamente unidas" "él estaba mirando su boca como si pensara que acababa de descubrir el fuego" "El calor y suavidad de la boca de Ten se unió con la de Diana. Su sabor la atravesó, robándole el aliento, los pensamientos. Apretó sus brazos alrededor de su cuello mientras intentaba estar más cerca de él, más cerca aún. Suaves murmullos surgieron de su garganta mientras la dominaba la necesidad arrebatadora de sostenerlo tan ferozmente que no pudiera soltarse hasta que su beso hubiera calmado el dolor que le había quitado el sueño durante las largas horas de la noche. La gravedad se deslizaba, después desapareció, dejando a Diana suspendida dentro de los fuertes y cálidos brazos de Ten. Con placer felino estrujó los músculos flexibles de sus brazos y hombros, impulsándolo a sostenerla más firmemente, sin importar si podía respirar. No sentía miedo ante la franca realidad de la fuerza de Ten cerrándose a su alrededor" "El fuego en ti podría hacer arder a una roca" "La deseaba tanto que temblaba. Nunca había deseado a una mujer así. Y eso también lo sacudió" "Luz dulce" "Ojos del color de la lluvia, ojos que miraron más allá de la superficie de la realidad, directamente a su alma" "Sus ojos se abrieron. Eran plata ardiente" "El aterrizaje era peor que la caída" "Sus ojos se abrieron. Eran oscuros, nítidos, y su color añil tan profundo como el crepúsculo" "Lecantó la cabeza y encontró el esplendor ardiente de los ojos de Ten. La mirada en ellos hizo que su cuerpo se derritiera" "Te quiero como el infierno ardiente" "Eres la única mujer que alguna vez he deseado tanto que me atormentas hasta el extremo de no poder dormir. No solo tu hermoso cuerpo, también tu mente brillante y tu risa y tus momentos tranquilos y hasta la ira que vuelve tus ojos casi negros. Quiero todo de ti. No te alejes de mí. Por favor. No puedo soportar perderte. Dime que no te he perdido. Dime que todavía me amas." "Te amo Diana. Es la útima maldita cosa en el mundo que esperé que pasara. Pero pasó y no voy a luchar más contra ello. No llores, ámame. No llores. Abrázame y déjame abrazarte. Nunca he estado enamorado antes. Nunca he querido vivir con una mujer, tener hijos con ella, y construir una vida alrededor de otra cosa que el silencio. ¿Te casarás conmigo?" "Los brazos de Ten se cerraron alrededor de la mujer que amaba y la levantó del suelo en un enorme abrazo, riéndose con una alegría que nunca había esperado sentir, un proscrito saliendo del sombrío pasado hacia un futuro lleno de luz. "
4 reviews
June 26, 2022
This book was the perfect read for me on a stressful day. The story and intelligent characters took me back to the time when I was on the Colorado plateau and traveling the four corners. I devoured this book in one night and was left wanting more. Elizabeth Lowell is another author along with Jayne Ann Krentz I have added to my tried and true list of satisfying feel good authors.
Profile Image for Cathy.
196 reviews
January 2, 2019
I can't remember when I first read this series, but while I was cleaning out my bookshelves, I decided to re-read all 4. I'd call these books guilty pleasure reading. Lots to like, lots to dislike, all carried along by interesting plot and great descriptions of the area.
377 reviews
July 31, 2023
Skimmed through this one. Seemed like targeted audience was 20 y/o (or younger) - simplistic language, simplistic plot, predictable ending. Strange view of male/female relationships (naivety or expecting male dominance?)
Profile Image for Prac Agrl.
1,398 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2024
My common reviews for all the books in this series are
The sudden ceasing of all issues between H and h
Some issues and storylines are abandoned suddenly and and the abrupt endings with no proper endings for all those involved.
Profile Image for Charlene.
5,756 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2019
Oldie. Diana annoyed me. Ten was AWESOME
131 reviews
March 8, 2020
A great read just like all of her books

A story full of romance blooming and the difficult path a burned exsoldier and an abused woman try to navigate.
Profile Image for Melissa Levine.
1,029 reviews42 followers
July 26, 2015
The very beginning of the story was somewhat confusing, due to all the new characters introduced...like all at the same time. The fact that the author decided to use characters nickname too, wasn't a fan of. The story itself, I felt like I was reading a history book. I understand you want to give a background for a story that revolves around ancient tribes and whatnot....but it was overdone in this story. I ended up skimming a bunch, looking for the actual story line. The actual story was a cute one.

I wasn't a fan of Diana. The fact that she couldn't seem to understand how Ten could be, "A man who could fight with such savage efficiency shouldn't also care about sick kittens." Or "A man who could handle the physical demands of a big truck and the rotten road with such effortless skill shouldn't be so interested in something as abstract and intangible as the vanished Anasazi." That made no sense to me. He obviously cares about animals. Yet, wouldn't he be interested in the Anasazi? He's been working on a ranch where they've been finding things that belong to the Anasazi.

I get she'd had some bad experiences with guys but it got really annoying in certain parts.

Questions/Comments:

Diane is thinking about how she wanted to have a baby one day. But that would mean that she would have to trust a man bigger than her. Huh? There are little guys out there. Doesn't mean she has to get some hulk of a man to have a baby with.

The chair gap at dinner. How did Diane go about making space between her and Ten's chair exactly? The author made it sound as though she kept scooting over throughout the dinner.

How old was everyone? Diane is described by Carla as 'the older woman', yet, she's not very smart when it comes to guys. Thinking that sex=pain. When it sounded like she'd only ever had sex one time. I just honestly don't understand how she could be so clueless when it came to men. Ex: not getting why Ten would be aroused if she hadn't done anything to him.

When Ten and Diane are heading to the August site, was she having a past life thing going on?

Sorry, but the fact that Carla nurses the baby, while sitting on her husbands lap...kinda strange. He obviously likes a close up view.

If she didn't want to have sex with men after getting raped...why would she continue to date? Normally when you're with someone, you end up having sex. Which she didn't want. She couldn't say it was only a guy thing...it's human nature. Anyways, if you want to date, then let the guy know in advance that he won't have a chance to get you in bed. Common sense. I could see why they would call her a tease.

"When the hands discovered, as they quickly would, that no marriage as planned..." What year is this story talking place in? Ten worried about the other workers getting upset or confused that he wouldn't be marrying Diana? I don't get it.

When Diana mentions how she'll be leaving mid August, why does it seem like that was her last trip to the site and last time seeing Ten? Saying mid August, would make me think she still has a while. Otherwise, why wouldn't she have said she'd be leaving in a few days or something?
Profile Image for Eman Khatab .
32 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2021
DNF at %50

It was OK but I didn't connect with the characters, I enjoyed THE GRANITE MAN more.
Profile Image for Sheila Melo.
1,875 reviews54 followers
February 6, 2015
Emotional Story Centered on the Couple

THE STORY: Diana Saxton has come to the Rocking M to help preserve and document the Anasazi ruins on the ranch. Diana has a fear of men after she was raped by her boyfriend when she was younger. She has kept apart from men since. Tennessee Blackthorn is the ramrod of the Rocking M who is given the job of accompanying Diana to the archeological site. Ten knows that there is no future for him and Diana but he is complex man who is willing to help Diana recover her own sensuality.

OPINION: There is something very dreamy and mythic about these classic Elizabeth Lowell books. The stories are not realistic and for some the language may slip into purple prose, but I enjoy the emphasis on the characters and their emotions and how the entire story shrinks to these two people. Ten and Diana are a wonderful couple and I especially liked that their relationship developed over time and was not resolved in a day or a week.

WORTH MENTIONING: OUTLAW was originally published in the early 1990s as a category romance. It has some of the hallmarks of that time, but this book was unique then. The sensuality of this book far exceeds similar books of the time period.

FINAL DECISION: I love this book. It has a dreamy, sensual feel to it. The story feels unreal in its prose, but that adds to the mythic quality of the story that appeals to me.

CONNECTED BOOKS: OUTLAW is the second contemporary book in the MacKenzie-Blackthorn series. There is also a prequel historical. OUTLAW can be read as a standalone without missing anything.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Joanna.
16 reviews
December 16, 2023
Yes, it is dated. But for this book I don’t think it takes away from the enjoyment in reading. This book is a QUICK read, which I really liked bc I usually read 500 page books so it was nice to read a book in one sitting. The details about the Anasazi Ruins were very interesting, I have not researched to see how accurate the information was but it made since so I would imagine it is probably pretty accurate atleast for what was known at the time written. For a shorter book it had a lot of detail and in depth conversation between characters. It does not drag but keeps a good pace. At first I thought all the issues the FMC had was going to get frustrating to continue reading about but her relationship with Ten doesn’t take long to open her up and for her to come out of her shell. The physical relationship of the MC was very believable and written well I thought. This was the second time though this book this year. I have also read the other books in this series, they were all good but this one is my favorite.
Profile Image for Tonya Warner.
1,214 reviews13 followers
October 10, 2011
Wonderful!

Diana Saxton has to overcome her fears to find that Tennessee Blackthorn is more than just a powerful man with a gentle soul. Finding a way thru the cobwebs of the past to finally feel safe in a man's arms, Diana opens herself up to face life again. The most difficult part is that the very man who helped show her the way, seems to be lost in the past and unable to find himself, or the love they both so desperately need.
74 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2020
You might find this funny but I picked this book up at a thrift store. I read a lot of Westerns and grab it without reading the back. So you can imagine the surprise I had when I realized I was reading a romance novel. That said I did read the book and the story was good, a little predictable theme. Man hater falls in love with a......man.
Profile Image for Pat Cromwell.
198 reviews10 followers
February 10, 2009
Of this series Outlaw was the best. The hero is typical Elizabeth Lowell (from her earlier works) and the heroines are like refugee's from a Diana Palmer book. But then, I like these types of soap in a box alpha heros.
Profile Image for Suzanne Urban.
74 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2010
This is another Mackenzie Story. (Tennessee and Diana)
4.5 on a 5.0 scale
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews