Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Logan's Outlaw (Men of Defiance #4)

by Elaine Levine (Goodreads Author)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 113 ratings · 26 reviews

Confident and coolheaded, nothing shakes a Man of Defiance—except a woman he can’t resist...

Sarah Hawkins survived capture by the Sioux, but after her escape she faced public scorn. Now, she’ll do anything to start over, and the dusty town of Defiance promises the anonymity and security she needs. Before she melts into the shadows, though, it’s her mission to put a great i...more

Mass Market Paperback, 338 pages

Published March 6th 2012 by Zebra

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell

Historical Western Romance

7th out of 54 books — 29 voters

Best Western/Civil War Romance

19th out of 68 books — 45 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 423)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Aug 14, 2012 Keri rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, 2012-read, elaine-levine, romance-historical, romance-western

Sarah was captured a year ago by the Sioux and of course during that time she was brutally raped, tortured and abused. Somehow not only did she survive, she escaped and is now trying to forge a new life for herself. She is trying to find away to live with her past and somehow find a future for herself. Before she can do that, she has to turn over some increminating forgery documents of bogus land deeds that belonged to her dead husband. But even that peace has been denied her, as someone destroy...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jan 10, 2012 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Western historical romance readers

Shelves: western, historical-romance, arc, adc-reviews, read-by-january-2012, scarred-heroine, hero-to-die-for, blond-hero, favorites, favorite-or-autobuy-author, tormented-heroine, saved-by-marriage, 2012-sky-s-the-limit-club, yearly-reading-challenge, dangerous-hero-2012-general-reading, native-american, abused, angsty-read, widow, steadfast-hero, hot-and-steamy-romance, heroine-i-loved

Really good, angsty, passionate western with a very tormented heroine, and an extremely sighworthy hero. The Indian/white conflict causes pangs within me that remind me why I avoid NA romance. Not because I don't care, but because I care too much. I have found a new western author in Elaine Levine. I will be reading her other books.

Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur magazine in the March issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.

9 likes · like · see review

May 04, 2012 Carrie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-has-copy, action-adventure, american-historical, historical, ptsd, read-2012, road-trip, western

Review on AAR 4/27/12

Grade C-

I read an DIK review (http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...) on AAR about this book and immediately added it to my to-read list. I was excited the library had a copy so I could read it immediately. Imagine my surprise when I found the writing in this book to be stiff and simplistic, with short choppy sentences and lots of telling. While the content and some vocabulary is geared toward an adult audience, the writing feels about middle school reading level at most....more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 Scarlett Snow rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-western, historical-romance, read-in-2012, four-stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 12, 2013 Mackenzie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-other

Sarah Hawkins come with A LOT of baggage, even though she has practically no possessions to speak of to her name. Leaving Philadelphia with her parents for the adventure of settling in the West, she is suddenly orphaned by a horrible accident. Married only days later to man who took a great portion of her inheritance (how interesting he came along when he did!) and left her while he went West to "ready" things for her, she eventually made her way out West herself. Unfortunately, she was kidnappe...more Sarah Hawkins come with A LOT of baggage, even though she has practically no possessions to speak of to her name. Leaving Philadelphia with her parents for the adventure of settling in the West, she is suddenly orphaned by a horrible accident. Married only days later to man who took a great portion of her inheritance (how interesting he came along when he did!) and left her while he went West to "ready" things for her, she eventually made her way out West herself. Unfortunately, she was kidnapped, raped, and watched her husband die and their cabin burn as she faced the tremendous odds of survival in a brutal Indian camp who hated the Whites.

When Sarah escapes, she knows there are things she must set right, including the fact that her husband was involved somehow in illegal land bonds. She needs to go further west and escape the men in the illegal bond business as well as find some means for herself. Wearing the scars inside and out of a woman abused by Indians, she buys the biggest pistol she can afford, now she just has to find someone to teach her how to use it. She may not be able to shoot a person, but if the Indians,whom she ran away from, find her they will force her to return and she would rather kill herself than do so.

Logan hasn't been near Defiance for nearly 12 years and has made a life from himself away from his childhood family. He has several trading posts throughout the territory and does a good business with peoples of all color. He as Shadow Wolf among the Sioux, has a good understanding of their ways as well as good business deals. When he sees the haunted look of the most beautiful woman he's even seen, logic leaves him and instinct takes over as he follows her on a stagecoach rather than finding a new mount.

Sarah doesn't know why Mr. Logan Taggart is set to protect her from public scorn because of her past ordeal or from the other men who think they can have sex with a "squaw", but she is very thankful for his protection when the stagecoach dumps her out because Indians are following them. When he claims her as "his" in front of the Indians, thus begins their life together. He doesn't know what he's in store for, but somehow, being with Sarah is right. She fills up the loneliness that his been digging into his soul.

Eventually Sarah's secrets begin to unravel and Logan is with her every step of the way, even marrying her in Defiance as a means of protecting her because by this point, he can't let her go.

I could not put this book down! It really hit the spot. Okay, so there is just NO WAY there could ever be a man out there THIS WONDERFUL. I mean.... Logan is the A+++ of fantasy men. Gentle, caring, Alpha, considerate, hard-assed when he needs to be. I found myself reading and envying Sarah!!! LOL!

The action of this book was fast paced, but not so much that you couldn't vision exactly what was going on. Loved the character development with both Sarah and Logan. They were just a great read. And when Logan at the end of the book stands trial among the Indian and fights her last "demons"... what a guy. A GREAT wrap up to this series as we see tiny bits of the previous couples as well.

I was in the mood for a Western romance and this really hit the spot.... (less)

like · see review

Oct 31, 2012 Foxfire rated it 2 of 5 stars

I feel a little mean giving only two stars to this book but my rule is that if I need to skim big chunks to get to the end it’s two stars. Historical Western is one of my favorite genres, so I read a lot of them and have high expectations.

The first third of this story was great. The quiet, steady hero sets out to win the damaged but spunky heroine. Then things started moving a bit too fast for me. The hero declares his love, and after a great deal of hesitation over the prospect physical intimac...more

like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

First off let me say that I am thankful for the first reads giveaway program. I won this one on it!

I have to start by saying that I don't like books (like this one) that have "steamy" parts in them. I will be more careful of what I register for next time I look at the giveaway section. So I have to say I read almost all of this book.... just not the sexy parts.

I thought the story had lots of good parts. The characters are strong and solid. This is a fine stand alone even without reading the oth...more

like · see review

Mar 20, 2012 Debbie Saraceni rated it 5 of 5 stars

Love Sarah and Logan's story. I really enjoyed all of Elaine Levine's books. She has a fantastic way of drawing you into the story and you can't help but fall in love with the characters. I highly recommend this book and any of her books. Another one well done!

1 like · like · see review

Apr 16, 2012 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, 5-stars

I loved Sarah and Logan's story. I read the first 3 books in the series and the fourth did not disappoint. I have become a fan of Elaine Levine and am looking forward to reading more of her books. I got this book through Goodreads First Reads.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 20, 2013 Patricia Davis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Finally Logan's story is told. Gad this was so powerfully and elloquently written. We the reader got to see two different worlds in this story and how laws were governed for both the Indians and as well for the white people starting to inhabit the land. Logan's Outlaw covers a topic that is every woman's nightmare and Elaine delivers a truly passionate tale about about rape and recovery to finally a HEA. This story delivers a very heartwarming, sad yet courageous tale that will definitely have t...more

like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Gail Koger rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book, I really enjoyed it and will read more of the author's books

1 like · like · see review

Oct 12, 2012 Stacey Pagan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another fantastic story from the Men of Defiance series! Elaine Levine has surprised me once again with a great read! Sarah Hawkins survived capture by the Sioux Indians, yet has a hard time adjusting to regular life again. The last thing she is looking for is love, but it creeps up on her when she isn’t looking. Logan Taggert is used to caring for only himself, yet Sarah creeps under his skin and soon he realizes he’s head over heels in love with her. This historic romance tugs at the heart str...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2012 Cyndi rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-addiction

I saw this book in the grocery store and was drawn to the cover photo - who can resist a cowboy with a body like that?? However, before buying it I checked Goodreads for the number of stars the book received. This is the first time I've been disappointed.

There was nothing I liked about this book. I had a hard time getting into initially because it seemed blatantly racist - the "savage" Indian, the captive white woman, the sexual abuse ... blah, blah, blah. In fact, I almost threw the book away...more I saw this book in the grocery store and was drawn to the cover photo - who can resist a cowboy with a body like that?? However, before buying it I checked Goodreads for the number of stars the book received. This is the first time I've been disappointed.

There was nothing I liked about this book. I had a hard time getting into initially because it seemed blatantly racist - the "savage" Indian, the captive white woman, the sexual abuse ... blah, blah, blah. In fact, I almost threw the book away because of this. Could Swift Elk have been more of an asshole??? Once Logan was introduced, the native culture began to get a different portrayal - the wise, noble "savage". Good grief. I get the idea that there is good and bad in every culture. No culture is without its evils and its goodness (as Levine tried to show by contrasting the Scalp Taker - orr whatever the name was of the bad white guy - and the ridiculously good Sarah), but every Sioux in the book was either one extreme or the other - completely horrible or wisely just. Maybe part of my problem with this book is my proximity to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. I live in South Dakota and many of my students are Native Americans. If I gave this book to any of them, they'd be ridiculously offended. I'm ridiculously offended, and I'm only 1/8th Sioux. The Lakota have a wonderful history and suffered atrocities after the West was settled, but this book seemed more concerned with sensationalizing the time period than offering any sort of realistic portrayal of the Lakota.

I read a lot of romance novels, and I don't think it's unrealistic to expect quality writing in a romance novel. Romance novels are too often stigmatized by the over-the-top Old Skool Romances of the 70s and 80s, the so-called "bodice rippers"; however, this is an unfair portrayal. Many historical romance novels of today are well-researched and well-written (in fact, I could name 20 romance novels that are better written than the best-seller, Twilight). Books like this one perpetuate the stereotype that romance novels are crap. In fact, this book had a very Old Skool feel to it - rapey, dramatic, purple-prosey dialogue ... I don't like older romances for a reason and if I'd known this book was like that I wouldn't have bought it.

Racial issues aside, I couldn't understand what attracted Logan to Sarah. She was pretty?? I'm not sure. It's like he took one look at her and decided he was in LUV.

The only thing I thought was well done was Sarah's PTSD. Her trauma was clear and I could totally understand her reactions. In fact, buying the gun in order to kill herself (and not a captor) made total sense to me. She handled her situations after her escape from captivity in a somewhat believable manner. What I didn't find believable was her sudden intimacy with Logan. Sure he was trusting and protective and all that is good, but after being raped repeatedly (every. single. day. multiple times a day by multiple men for a YEAR for God's sake) she gave in awfully quickly to Logan. The book would have been more compelling if it was focused more on Sarah's recovery and her dealings with the real-world post kidnapping than this over-the-top dramatic story. A novel of healing would have been nice.

Finally, I thought the dialogue was rather ridiculous at times. I didn't believe that a man would say the things Logan would say nor that he would talk the way he talked - it all seemed too antiquated for the Wild West. And then, interspersed in the awkward dialogue - were what seemed like too many 21st century turns of phrase.

I would definitely not recommend this book to anyone. I hate throwing books away and if I have book I don't like, I usually donate it to the library. That was not the case this time. I threw it away to prevent anyone from checking out this awful book. (less)

like · see review

Jun 03, 2012 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-twolipsrevies-com

Sarah Hawkins liked the cold steel of her Peacemaker; if she had owned one a year ago, the Sioux would never have taken her alive. The fear she felt when the Sioux Warrior party invaded her home never really left her. She wants to find a gun fighter to train her so that she is never helpless like that again. However, she is a widowed woman and most will not touch her because of her taint from the Sioux and what they did to her. Sarah wants to get to Defiance to learn how to defend herself and ge...more

like · see review

Apr 24, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars

LOGAN’S OUTLAW by Elaine Levine is an exciting historical romance set in 1875 Dakota Territory. What a wonderful story of trust,romance,secrets,danger,and the rough Western frontier. Sarah Hawkins,captured by the Sioux,and held captive for a couple of years,finally escapes. What she finds she trouble,adventure,and love. Logan Taggart,a trader,loner,but who is tempted by Sara and finds himself her protector. As they travel through the prairie,they must evade Indians,who are out to recapture her,a...more

like · see review

Jun 23, 2012 Hilcia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, historical, romance, tbr-pile, 2012-read, western, impressions-blog-review

3.75/5.0
Logan's Outlaw by Elaine Levine is the fourth installment in the Men of Defiance series. I read Leah and the Bounty Hunter, Book 3 and enjoyed the "real, somewhat gritty western" atmosphere in that story, and plan on reading the complete series. Logan's Outlaw is a western romance with plenty of violence and events covering the not-so-pretty history of the West. This story takes place during the painful times when the Sioux Nation was in flux, when gold was found in the Black Hills, and...more 3.75/5.0
Logan's Outlaw by Elaine Levine is the fourth installment in the Men of Defiance series. I read Leah and the Bounty Hunter, Book 3 and enjoyed the "real, somewhat gritty western" atmosphere in that story, and plan on reading the complete series. Logan's Outlaw is a western romance with plenty of violence and events covering the not-so-pretty history of the West. This story takes place during the painful times when the Sioux Nation was in flux, when gold was found in the Black Hills, and while some tribes were left with little choice but to move to reservations, others fought to maintain their way of life.

The story begins with Sarah, a white woman who survived torture as the white captive of a Sioux chief. This beginning worried me a bit, I've read these types of books before (from the 70's and 80's) where Native Americans are often demonized or romanticized. However, pretty quickly I realized that in Logan's Outlaw, Levine goes out of her way to portray both sides of the story. I can't tell you how politically correct the book is, you'll have to decide that for yourself, I can say that it is apparent that Ms. Levine conducted research before writing this story and did not romanticize either side.

Through Sarah, Levine explores life in the aftermath of a surviving white captive who was tortured and married to a Sioux chief. Also through Sarah, the author addresses the subject of how land, when not gained through treaties, was taken through foul means. Through White Cloud and his people, Levine explores the wisdom of the culture and how deeply they were wronged, and through Chayton her exploration goes into the pain and loss of the plains people.

Logan is the linchpin in this story. His position as a trader allows him to straddle both sides, and he appreciates and experiences the pain from both sides. Actually Logan turns out to be the perfect knight for a woman like Sarah. He understands what she went through, has endless patience with her, and all the right connections and courage to save her from her Sioux husband and to protect her from white scorn. There were very few moments when Logan showed his flaws... and even then, his reasoning was quite human. I wondered a few times along the way if there are men out there with his kind of patience. As a fictional romance hero, though, he is just that... quite a hero.

The romance between Sarah and Logan serves as the central focus. When Logan meets Sarah at a coach stop, she is a wounded, traumatized soul. Logan takes one look at beautiful and haunted-looking Sarah and fearing that the coach leaving to Cheyenne is headed for danger, appoints himself her silent protector and joins the group on their journey. That journey is a harsh one. They are attacked by a band of Sioux warriors, their coach is burned and the passengers killed. Although Sarah and Logan survive through Logan's knowledge and brave cunning, their adventures through Cheyenne, Defiance, and eventually to the Circle Bar Ranch continue to be filled with danger.

Levine uses the journey and the different obstacles that Logan and Sarah encounter along the way, including persecution by some goons that are after Sarah, to develop their relationship and romance. When Sarah and Logan find out that she is wanted for forgery, Logan marries her and slowly but surely begins the process of helping Sarah heal from the terrible fears and horrible nightmares that plague her from her days as a captive. She doesn't believe she'll ever be able to have a normal relationship with a man again, and he's willing to have her on any terms as long as he can protect her. How can Sarah not fall in love with Logan?

There's nothing pretty about some of the violent scenes portrayed in this story. There are burned bodies, scalpings, and people are killed ruthlessly. There's no sparing a character for the sake of making this a pretty romance, even as the characters experience their happy moments. This is a warning for readers who cannot tolerate violence with their romance.

Levine's prose is not complex or lyrical, as a matter of fact I find it rather straight forward and easy to read and the dialog can be said to be awkward at times, however the plot carries the day in this romance. Levine handles Sarah's healing, the aftermath of being tortured and raped, quite well (those torture and rape scenes are not shown in the book). The action is there from beginning to end, with quiet, romantic moments in between where Sarah and Logan get to know each other. Logan's attraction is instant and more protective than passionate in the beginning with passion taking over later on in the story.

Logan's Outlaw, like Leah and the Bounty Hunter, is a gritty western with both central and secondary characters that are confronting seriously hurtful situations. In contrast, the romance is sweet and by the end of the story there's a sense that the love found by our couple will endure. A quick western historical romance read, full of action that might not be enjoyed by everyone.

Original review @ Impressions of a Reader (less)

like · see review

Mar 11, 2012 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: western-romance

While some of the writing mechanics in this fourth entry in the Men of Defiance series are far from smooth (a couple of big info dumps and multiple long passages of passive character description), LOGAN'S OUTLAW may have the most intricate and satisfying plot of the bunch. The author's apparently in-depth research is used to good effect, and readers definitely get a "feel" for the period, the setting, and the characters. One red-herring subplot seemed forgotten until the end -- at which point it...more

like · see review

May 01, 2012 Eggletina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars, rounded up to four. I have mixed feelings about this series, most of which is due to my own personal tastes with regard to characterization (prefer a more subtle approach, for example) and plot devices(this one is better than the others in the series in that respect). I also prefer my romances where the emotional level is more subtle. I don't have much patience with characters who feel their love is the greatest that has ever been, for example. Declarations like that will ruin a story...more

like · see review

Jan 23, 2013 Sandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: added-from-others-shelves, kindle-i-own-read, romance-western-hist, part-of-a-series, all-time-fav-hero_a-list

I really, really liked this book. Amazingly kind, sweet and loving hero (Logan made my all time fav hero A-List pretty early in the book). Tough, resilient heroine. And a HEA. What more could a reader ask for :)

like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Belinda rated it 5 of 5 stars

The latest book by Elaine Levine in exceptional, brilliant, and oh so lovely. I thought the story about Sarah and Logan was beautiful.
Two wounded souls who come together with pain and loneliness. The author has done magic with the storyline, character development, and plot in the making of a true Western romance. You will not be disappointed in reading about the men of Defiance and their soul mates.

like · see review

Feb 28, 2013 Karla added it

Shelves: dnf

I was looking for a grittier read. This is not as "sweet" as some westerns but a little too sentimental for my taste.

like · see review

Sep 17, 2012 Nocturne Romance Reads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Read Krystal's review @Nocturnereads!
http://www.nocturnereads.com/2012/09/...

like · see review

May 20, 2012 Miranda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, historical, romance

I was thankful to win an autographed copy of this book, and while the cover made me apprehensive at first, it was a great book that I devoured in a day.

Excellent characters and a historically accurate novel (granted, I didn't know too much of the background of this time before reading this book). Not too much "romance" or smut, but it was enjoyable.

Recommended for those who like Mills and Boon type romances with an intriguing storyline. Three and a half stars.

like · see review

May 31, 2012 Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic read! This book was not only the best one in the series but a great end to the Men of Defiance. It's just to bad there wasn't more men in Defiance to write about. :)

like · see review

Apr 06, 2012 J9 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, 2012-reads, cowboy

4.5 rating, good characters and strong plot. Fans if Western romance will love this.

like · see review

May 21, 2012 Robin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: western-historical

My favorite of the series!

like · see review

May 23, 2013 Nicole Peterson rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 22, 2013 elena marked it as 2012

May 18, 2013 Shirleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 17, 2013 Daniela marked it as to-read

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 14 15 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Western

12 users

Romance > Historical Romance

7 users

Romance > Western Romance

6 users

Romance

6 users

Historical Romance > Western Historical Romance

4 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Elaine Levine

"Elaine Levine is a wonderfully fresh and original voice in western romance.
RACHEL AND THE HIRED GUN is full of fast-paced action and powerful emotions. I loved it!"
-- Joan Johnston, New York Times bestselling author of A STRANGER'S GAME

"A pair of appealing, well-matched protagonists (with a bit of a history), a slimy villain, well-drawn secondary characters, and plenty of action make this rough...more

More about Elaine Levine...

Books by Elaine Levine

Rachel and the Hired Gun (Men of Defiance, #1)

Leah and the Bounty Hunter (Men of Defiance, #3)

Audrey and the Maverick (Men of Defiance, #2)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Logan's Outlaw

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Logan's Outlaw
avg rating	preview: Logan's Outlaw Goodreads rating: 4.17 (113 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12681935-logan-s-outlaw?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1326855948l/12681935.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12681935-logan-s-outlaw?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Logan's Outlaw by Elaine Levine[/url]

Logan's Outlaw (Men of Defiance #4)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website