McKenzie's Bride

Redeemable Rogues #1

by Tanya Anne Crosby

Fiercely independent, Elizabeth Bowcock—“Doc Liz” as she’s known by all—vows to raise her orphaned niece as her own. Unfortunately, the child’s grandfather has declared the unwed doctor to be an unfit guardian and refuses to deliver her to Liz's care, until she finds herself a man...

Enter dark-haired, devil-eyed Cutter McKenzie. Outcast for his Cheyenne blood, the handsome halfbreed volunteers to pose as Elizabeth’s husband. But though his wicked sex appeal threatens to undermine Liz's independence, the road to St. Louis promises even greater perils...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Westerns, Western Romance, Native American, Historical Fiction

383 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1993

About the author

Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.

Reviews

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sagebrush Bride must the the newer version of McKenzie’s Bride. I admit I seriously like this cover much better than the other one. For one, Elizabeth has blonde hair and Cutter’s hair was longish, like in this one. I know it’s ridiculous but that just irritates me when the cover doesn’t reflect the characters. (The other one had it all wrong) Anyway, I have always loved Tanya Anne Crosby’s books because her characters are so beautifully flawed. The story line is great, two unlikely people thrown together on a journey filled with trials and tribulations. Elizabeth is one feisty, hard headed chic and Cutter of course, is so sexy and relatively laid back, half Indian and half white, thus the half breed taunts.
This also comes in audiobook with Braden Wright as the narrator and gee whiz, he makes Cutter sound like undeniably sexy… whew. He’s a good narrator all the way around. I do think the audiobook I bought has McKenzie’s Bride as the title, but it’s the same story. I loved it! ❤️

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment Elizabeth walks into the saloon and states she needs a man her life will never be the same. Growing up learning all she can about medicine by her father's side has left little time for the softer things in life. Her mother and sister left when she was young because they couldn't handle the harshness of living away from city life so she immediately took on an adult role. She was the one to take care of her father as well as their patients. She's not used to letting others care for her and has become an independent woman because of it. It's also made her less trusting of others. She loved her mother and she left without a word so love too isn't something she believes in. Being closed off and prim and proper is her defense against being hurt. Dressing in baggy clothes and thick glasses also keeps her heart safe as no one thinks of her as a woman.

At least no one did until Cutter volunteers to play her make-believe husband when she goes to claim her niece upon the death of her sister. Growing up wasn't easy for Cutter as a half-breed. He refused to hide his Indian heritage like his sister Jo, Elizabeth's only friend, has done and he's paid the price and has the scars to remind him of people's prejudices. I absolutely adored Cutter! He's sexy, charming, and is a man you can count on to keep you safe. He's immediately drawn to Elizabeth and sees the woman behind the baggy clothes and wants nothing more than to protect her from harm. As he gets to know more about her he comes to admire her more every step they take towards her niece. Soon their fake marriage becomes a reality but their road to a HEA veers off course when soldiers from his past come back to take the woman he's come to call wife away from him. It's a dangerous plan he enacts that puts his and Elizabeth's life in danger but the outcome might just be worth it.

Elizabeth started off very staid and serious. She's a bit unappreciative towards Cutter at the start and naive about many things. Cutter's charming ways, his honesty, and belief in her inner-strength slowly win her over. Elizabeth's growth is like seeing a butterfly emerge from its cocoon and she became a more likable character through her time with Cutter. Seeing the two of them together with all their witty banter brought a smile to my face. The sexual tension between them was palpable and leads to some very steamy sexual encounters. Both had been hurt by their pasts and it seemed fitting that their healing only came through their togetherness. The secondary characters were a nice addition and I hope to see more of Jo as there's an interesting past just hinted at. The relationship between Cutter and Elizabeth progresses at a nice pace but their journey goes on a bit too long as does Cutter's showdown with his military past. Minus those small criticisms I found this a thoroughly entertaining and immensely satisfying story.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! An entertaining story, just a smidge long, but still worth the time!

Cutter Mackenzie...dreamy sigh! Elizabeth...stubborn, determined, but fun. She needed a man like Cutter to let her hair down. Little Katie...adorable and she stole the show and Cutter's heart!

An easy, angst free listen/read, with a fun story, just the right amount of heat and the perfect hero!

The narration was pretty good. Braden Wright has one of those sexy, rumbly voices that you feel in the pit of your stomach. Because his voice was so male and deep, the women came across a little odd, but when Cutter spoke into my ears, I damn near fainted!

My first book by Tanya Anne Crosby proved to be a great pick, and I'm going back for more!

This was a bargain! Only $0.99 for the ebook, and then with Amazon's Whyspersync option the audiobook was only $1.99! Even though it was a tad long, still well worth the money and the time to listen/read!

[Taria Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book because Cutter was awesome. Too bad he fell in love with shrew of a woman in Elizabeth. She was honory for the sake of being so. She took went on an internal racist rant each opportunity she was given, calling or implying he was a savage, or whatever. Shit I was BEGGING him to leave her ass in the middle of nowhere many times and ESPECIALLY when he did nothing but try to help her when it didn't benefit him at all. She even had the nerve to get uppity when he did what he had to do to perpetuate the lie that they were married. She didn't redeem herself in the story but she did become more tolerable toward the end.

story 2
narrator 3.75 He has such a dreamy voice. I'd LOVE to hear more from him.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romance, well-written, amazing hero!

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to embark on this reading/listening adventure because of Braden Wright, the narrator and because of the front cover….Well, I know that neither of those reasons may seem too substantial, but oh, am I so glad I read this book! This is one of those stories that gets into your heart and will never leave it, and mainly because of the hero in this story….Mr. Cutter McKenzie! By the way, Braden Wright's sultry, deep, masculine voicing was just perfect for Cutter! Wow! Just an amazing listen!

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS I LOVE CUTTER MCKENZIE!
This story is set in the post Civil War era, in the ever-expanding Dakotas. Cutter is referred to as a 1/2 breed (due to his Cheyenne and Irish heritage) and has lived a life full of discrimination that has served to create a tough outer shell. However, if you look at the core of him, you will find a man with the most giving, noblest of hearts, who is searching to belong. Cutter is fantastically appealing because, he is not only a strong man (I mean swoon-worthy, gorgeous man), but because of his willingness to pursue love despite the risks. He's a take-charge kind of guy who guards his heart and emotions above all else, however, nothing could have prepared him for this journey of love, in his conquest of the heroine's affections. Although the odds were against Cutter (for unfair reasons!!!--I might add), he did not shy away from taking a chance at love.

THE HEROINE
Some reviewers have noted how unlikeable Elizabeth Bowcock, the heroine is. However, I felt more sympathetic toward her. Elizabeth, or Doc Liz, replaced her father as the doctor of Sioux Falls, after his death. Elizabeth, herself, is wound up too tightly and reasonably so. Her father nudged her to dress a certain way (baggy clothes about 3 sizes too big, old-rimmed glasses and hair in a tight, long braid). And, I believe it was to protect her from the unwanted advances of men, especially since they lived in such unstable parts. However, Elizabeth's iron clad hold on her independence is also an extension of her stronghold on her appeal as a woman--I mean, she has it ALL on lock down…LOL So, when Cutter offers to step up to help her in her dilemma (acting as her husband so she can present as married and qualify to adopt her niece), she rejects him. But, the problem is not just in Elizabeth's stodginess, it's also in her soft bigotry for the hero due to his Cheyenne heritage. Doc Liz also needs to conquer her mild hurt or fear of Native Americans in order to open the floods gates of her heart to Cutter (at least that was my take on it). She also just needed to LET GO…let go of her defenses, fears, past traumas, and stubbornness in terms of giving in to the hero completely.

THE LOVE STORY
This love story was so sweet and endearing. I really enjoyed how the journey of the leads to St. Louis also paralleled their attachment to one another in a cementing, beautiful love. Along the journey you will find out more about Cutter's outer and inner scars and will be absolutely touched at his patience with the heroine and how big his heart is. Cutter sees beyond Elizabeth's defenses (even her baggy clothes etc). He encourages her (pushes her) to break out of her shell and shine as the beautiful woman she is. Cutter is such a lover (and a fighter by necessity). Seriously, he is just precious!

There is also satisfaction in the growth in character of the heroine, Elizabeth. She learns to release herself to love, to healing, to a change of heart and to courage. She definitely loosens up! (Thank God!) LOL

OTHER CHARACTERS
The villains in this book are loathsome and the ruthless part of me would have liked to have see a more gruesome end to their lives. By the way, Katie, the niece is adorable. She's wild, funny and so cute! I really liked her. And, "Jo" (Josephine), Cutter's sister (who is Elizabeth's best friend) is also very interesting. I would really like her to have her own book.

IN CONCLUSION…
The epilogue was such a gift! I loved it! I wish there was a Volume 2 of Sagebrush Bride because I would so much like to learn more about Doc Liz and Cutter's marriage life as they settle down in Sioux Falls.

This will be one of my tear-jerking favorite Westerns!

[Nell · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/2 star, if that. If I could give this book negative stars, I would.

I’ve been reading TAC for many years now, and as a general rule I really enjoy her books. She reminds me a lot of Johanna Lindsey – another favourite romance author of mine.
I’d long heard of the Sagebrush Bride, people had talked about it over the years as a great read and I do love a good frontier / Western romance.

This one, however, did not fall into the good category. In fact, the only reason I finished reading this book was because I wanted to write a bad review, to be honest. It was that bad.

At 30% I put the book down, intending to put it aside, because I didn’t like the heroine. The hero was okay, but fairly one dimensional – a half breed who has the requisite issues that comes with, who lusts after the heroine. There wasn’t much more to him, which was a shame, because he could have been fleshed out quite nicely.

The heroine on the other hand was fairly awful. She was mean and bitchy basically to everyone, and I didn’t really understand why I was supposed to give a crap about what happened with her.

So, I put the book down at around 30% and read a few more romances in between. Buoyed by them, I decided to continue with the book. Around 68%, if I hadn’t been reading an ebook and didn’t want to damage my ereader I would have thrown the book across the room in disgust. At this point, I became very very angry with the heroine and with the book.

Why, you ask? Well let me tell you. From when I rejoined the book up until this point things had been ticking along okay. Liz still annoyed me, but it was manageable. At that point I wasn’t super interested in the story, but nothing objectional had been happening so I continued on. That is up until after Liz and Cutter make love.

After that, after getting to know the guy, starting to develop feelings for him do you know what she does? And yes, spoilers ahead. That woman starts in on this horrible, disgusting racist rant that quite frankly put her at number one on my most hated heroine of all time list. I didn’t actually have one up until that point, but she crowned it.

So, I put the book down again, fuming and horrified that something like that would be considered okay to put in a romance, or to think that at all.

Then, after getting worked up about it, I decided to finish the damn book so I could write a comprehensive review on it. So I did. Nothing about it redeemed the heroine for me. I, at that point, didn’t care about the outcome, and quite frankly thought the heroine didn’t deserve her happy ever after.

Terrible book, I don’t recommend it to anyone. Just don’t do it.

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story with an interesting plot and believable characters made this historical fiction an entertaining book. As in all romances it is always the same, boy meets girl and then the sparks fly before they will admit that they belong together. Every one can see it accept them. This story is no exception. But what makes this story to stand out for me as a reader was the main characters personalities. Or rather their flaws, at times I became agitated with Elizabeth's ability to clamp up and almost wanted to shout at her to speak up during the times most needed. But then your heart soften because of her poor eye sight and the situations she faces where she simply could not see, getting over every hurdle with some luck and ingenuity.
Cutter a half-breed was ruthless in his protection and determined to get the little mouse in his bed but yet so very proud accepting help that he knocked at deaths door. From the start you could feel the tension between the two as lust simmered, drawing them together and love grows in the midst of all the drama they face.
Then there was Katie, a little girl that loves her uncle and aunt fiercely but her ability to interrupt at the most peculiar times made her character interesting causing a few tense moments but yet with a undeniable cuteness for a typical four year old.
The villain who hate anyone that was different than him. He causes much turmoil in the story building the plot during the times of great turmoil in the American history. His uncaring character keeps you wondering where he will pop up next. Using every thing available to him to make life difficult.
Every supporting character enhancing the story so that you can get lost in the pages.
A great read that I can recommend to all lovers of a good historical romance book mixed with American history and the conflict with the Indians during that time period.

[Lisa C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't see this story as others did. The first part of the book was barely tolerable. Between the overly obnoxious heroine, Doc Liz, and reading page after page of Cutter trying to get in her pants, I nearly dumped it more than once. Since it was a little different story line than the usual hist romances are, I wanted to see how it played out.

It picked up and got better toward the middle. There was a little substance to the dialogue between the two once they had been together for a while, but Liz was still immature, naive and treated him like dirt most of the time. A bit of suspense thrown in with the bad guys, but not enough to warrant recommending this to anyone.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

As American Westerns go, this one is a doozy!

Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I'm crazy, but a lot of things in this book offended me. Didn't finish, skipped through and didn't like what I did read.

[Sara Zanetto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Territorio del Dakota, agosto 1865
La dottoressa Elizabeth Bowcock ha bisogno di un marito.
Un telegramma le comunica una notizia devastante: la sorella e il cognato sono morti e le affidano la figlia di 4 anni.
Il padre del marito della sorella le affiderà la nipote solo se lei è sposata.
Cutter McKenzie, fratello della sua migliore amica Jo, è mezzosangue: madre Cheyenne e padre irlandese. Per piacere alla sorella decide di aiutare Elizabeth e inizierà un viaggio on the road tra le High Plains per andare a prendere la bambina.

Questo è il classico caso dove ho amato il personaggio maschile e detestato quello femminile.
Cutter da subito prova sentimenti forti verso Elizabeth e lei lo tratta come se fosse un fumante mucchio di sterco.
Lo odia semplicemente perché è un indiano.
La madre di lei ha abbandonato la famiglia portando via solo la sorella minore di Elizabeth con la scusa delle incursioni degli indiani e da lì nasce il suo risentimento verso una popolazione intera.
Gli da spesso e volentieri appellativi poco lusinghieri ma di nascosto gli sbava addosso.
È arrivata addirittura a dire che avrebbe ingaggiato un uomo bianco perché aveva il terrore che il nonno della bambina si rifiutasse di consegnargliela.
Ragazza di una pesantezza e di una pudicizia fastidiosa fino all’inverosimile.

Peccato per lei, il romanzo non è male per niente ma la votazione è stata bassa.
⭐️⭐️,5

[Dona DeSy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Questo è uno di quegli storici che finiranno nella mia mente nell ‘enorme famoso minestrone di libri pressoché simili, pressoché simpatici, pressoché leggibili ...ma nulla di che, domani l’avrò scordato... anzi ammetto che per scrivere i nomi dei protagonisti sono tornata a riaprire il libro!
Ironia della sorte l’ho anche comprato, perché fra i libri disponibili non ne trovavo uno che mi piacesse o che non fosse secondo o terzo libro di serie.
Lei Elizabeth , o liz , o lizbeth (mi infastidisce quando si usano più nomi per la stessa persona in un libro perché all’inizio si fatica a capire chi dice cosa o chi parla con chi ) anche denominata Doc è una dottoressa che cerca un marito a pagamento per poter adottare la figlia della sorella rimasta orfana.
Lui Cutter , mezzosangue ovviamente fighissimo si assume l’incarico e insieme iniziano un viaggio che sarà, ricco di alti e bassi e che ovviamente li farà innamorare. Buona la caratterizzazione e apprezzabile l’interazione con i cheyenne ( mi piacciono molto le storie dove appaiono, li trovo sempre affascinanti e struggenti)
Ciò che non ho apprezzato affatto in un libro acquistato sono stati gli errori di battitura e alcuni refusi presenti...no no no. Assolutamente no.
Solo⭐️⭐️1/2 e Un posto assicurato nel fritto misto dei miei ricordi di libri medi.

[Dianne Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, good characters. Elizabeth needs a man—to pose as her husband—so she can claim her dead sister’s daughters Katie. Cutter McKenzie volunteers for the job. Jo his sister and Elizabeth are best friends even though Jo runs a saloon and she and Cutter are part Cheyenne. Elizabeth has learned to be a doctor by observing and helping her father. When he dies, she is the closest thing to a doctor for Sioux Falls. She has to travel to Missouri to claim her niece. Along the way, she and Cutter have several adventures, including her trying to save a severely wounded Indian during a rainstorm. He is the first patient she loses. That night they meet two other Indians who have retrieved their friend’s body. One of these is Life Taker. She meets him later when she needs his help after she and her niece are kidnapped by three army people. Cuter tries to help rescue them but he becomes too ill from an injury he sustained on the trip. Life Taker comes and helps Elizabeth while she doctors on Cutter. Can Elizabeth and Cutter marry and live happily? [late1800’s]

[Lela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite of TAC's work. Honestly, I don't think it aged well. I remember reading the Kindle version when it was titled "MacKenzie's Bride", and liking it... but this go round listening to the audio book was a bit of a flop. The characters tend to jump to ridiculous conclusions, which some people enjoy but isn't my personal cup of tea, and there are many scenes where consent is questionable. Cutter basically sexually assaulted Elizabeth on the side of the bank in one triggering scene.

While the storyline is solid, there were times that the plot dragged and I almost lost interest enough to turn it off and leave it unfinished, which I don't usually do.

I like that the book didn't shy away from the racism that was rampant during the time, but that in itself isn't enough to redeem the book for me.

The voices the narrator did were a bit much sometimes as well.

I don't know... I usually enjoy TAC's writing, so maybe this one is just me.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this book!

Elizabeth Bowcock, the spinster town doctor, never had much need for a man until date stepped in. She has to have a stand in husband to claim her orphaned niece. But, she gets more than she bargains for with Cutter Mackenzie.

I couldn't put this book down. The storyline is great and I fell in love with Elizabeth and Cutter. This story is full of passion, danger, and humor and it kept me enthralled from the first page until the last! Every charade is fully fleshed out and they all add to the story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Kathy Zuercher Diveley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizbeth and Cutter

Lizbeth took over her father's Dr's office when he died. Now her sister has died and left her young daughter for Lizbeth to take care of. Cutter is a half breed and brother to her best friend Jo. He has offered to go with her to get her neice. On the way, they fall in love. And on the way back encounter some bad guys that want to kill Cutter. They escape them and with Katie make a family.

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a man!

Elizabeth (Liz) Bowcock was referred to as Doc. With her ugly glasses, baggy clothes and braided hair she turned into a goddess to Cutter McKenzie. Cutter was half Cheyenne and half Irish, but Liz trusted him & he responded to her innocence. A beautiful story of love filled with hatred and prejudice. A trip across the country to pick up her niece was humorous and exciting. Cutter had felt dead inside until he found Liz and her love freed and saved him.

[Judith Sherrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogue, for sure

Liz, alone after her father died, has taken over his practice. The only doctor in town. She dressed to keep attention away from herself. But she needed a husband, temporarily. She had to travel to St. Louis to retrieve her orphaned niece. So she set about looking to hire a temporary husband, She found Cutter McKenzie instead.

[pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I like how many times we judge people by the outer appearance.before we get to know them. This book shows you that love conquers all even our own personal thoughts. Elizabeth thought she couldn't show up with Cutter and he thought he wasn't good enough. But in the end good over came the bad and love blossom.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story

The premise was good, but I had a hard time liking Elizabeth. While she wasn't formally educated as a doctor, I felt she should have been a little smarter than she tended to act. Cutter I liked quite a bit, although I felt like he also needed more added to his story.

[Barbara R. Cady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I very seldom buy a book but I had read a few others by This author so I took a chance and purchased it. I was not disappointed. It's a good story and the characters are charming. The beginning of their return trip had tears in my eyes I was giggling so hard!!!

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

E,excellent story!

I had read this a long time ago and just forgotten the title. But not too far into the story, I remembered how it went. Oh well, it was so good I read it again! Great read!!

[Cathi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried. I really did. I made it through a little more than half. Elizabeth was a racist bitch from the beginning. Cutter should have left her ass in the dirt the first time she insulted him. She is absolutely infuriating!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very slow-burn read. I loved Cutter and Elizabeth's back and forth for most of the book. Cutter felt a little overbearing at some points (the river scene). Katie was a cute kid, and Tanya got her age group just right. Katie was exceptionally good at adding tension for Cutter and Liz.

[Karen Darling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. The very first chapter the hero got the heroine drunk and she is a doctor. So, if someone is hurt or ill and needs a doctor they are just shit out of luck because the town doctor is drunk. I only made it to chapter 3.

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Marian Herrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5]

[Karen Klink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great western read.

Enjoyed the story of Doc and Cutter. Never a full moment for sure. Loved the confrontation with the Cheyenne Indian.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Loved the characters and the story. I hope they show up again in other books. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.