Elizabeth Lowell Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Elizabeth Lowell

Elizabeth Lowell (the pen name of Ann Maxwell) has a massive bibliography spanning historical romance, modern romantic suspense, and even classic science fiction. Because her work spans multiple distinct subgenres, the best place to start depends on your personal reading preferences:

• For Romantic Suspense: Begin with Amber Beach (1997). This book launches the beloved Donovan series and serves as the perfect entry point into a massive, interconnected modern suspense universe that spans three separate series.
• For Western Historical Romance: Begin with Reckless Love (1989), the first book in the MacKenzie-Blackthorn series. It introduces her signature Western frontier setting and establishes characters who cross over into her other historical novels.
• For Medieval Romance: Start with Untamed (1993), the first book of her acclaimed Medieval trilogy, which features rich historical world-building and intense emotional conflicts.

The Romantic Suspense Shared Universe

One of Lowell's greatest achievements is her modern romantic suspense universe. While each novel is a standalone romance with its own central couple, the books share recurring characters, family trees, and organizations. To get the most out of the overarching storylines, you should read these three subseries in order.

Phase 1: The Donovan Family Series

This series centers on the Donovans, a powerful family operating a global gem-trading empire. The plots involve international conspiracies, treasure hunts, and high-stakes danger. Read these in publication order:

1. Amber Beach (1997)
2. Jade Island (1998)
3. Pearl Cove (1999)
4. Midnight in Ruby Bayou (2000)

Phase 2: Rarities Unlimited Series

Following the Donovans, Lowell introduced the Rarities Unlimited series. This series focuses on a specialized agency of appraisers and security experts who investigate rare, stolen, and historical artifacts. While the main characters are new, members of the Donovan family make recurring cameos, establishing that these stories take place in the exact same world. Read these in order:

1. Moving Target (2001)
2. Running Scared (2002)
3. Die in Plain Sight (2003)
4. The Color of Death (2004)

Phase 3: St. Kilda Consulting Series

Widely considered the thematic and chronological successor to Rarities Unlimited, this series follows St. Kilda Consulting, a Manhattan-based private intelligence and shadow-security firm. The tone is slightly darker and more thriller-oriented, but still retains the core romantic elements. Read these in order:

1. Always Time to Die (2005)
2. The Wrong Hostage (2006)
3. Innocent as Sin (2007)
4. Blue Smoke and Murder (2008)
5. Death Echo (2010)

The Western Historical Sagas

Lowell's Western historical romances are also interconnected. The two major series here—MacKenzie-Blackthorn (sometimes called the Rocking M Ranch series) and the Only series—take place in the post-Civil War American West and feature subtle character crossovers.

MacKenzie-Blackthorn Books

This series focuses on the rugged MacKenzie-Blackthorn family on the frontier. They are best read in order as the family relationships develop chronologically:

1. Reckless Love (1989)
2. Fire and Rain (1989)
3. Outlaw (1991)
4. Granite Man (1991)
5. Warrior (1991)

The "Only" Series

Set in the American West, this series features standalone romances that build on one another. The final two books, Autumn Lover and Winter Fire, feature character crossovers and direct ties to the MacKenzie-Blackthorn family, particularly featuring appearances by Case MacKenzie in Winter Fire. Read them in this order:

1. Only His (1991)
2. Only Mine (1992)
3. Only You (1992)
4. Only Love (1995)
5. Autumn Lover (1996)
6. Winter Fire (1996)

The Medieval Trilogy

For readers who prefer old-world historical settings, Lowell's Medieval trilogy is highly regarded. Set in England and the Anglo-Welsh borders during the Middle Ages, these books should be read in publication order to track the continuous political backdrops and character connections:

1. Untamed (1993)
2. Forbidden (1993)
3. Enchanted (1994)

Other Notable Series & Science Fiction Roots

Before achieving massive success as a romance writer, Ann Maxwell wrote acclaimed science fiction. Many of these works were later re-released under the Elizabeth Lowell name to help fans find her backlist.

The Concord (Dancer) Sci-Fi Series

Written originally under her real name Ann Maxwell, this space-opera series is set in the Concord universe and follows Rheba, a rare fire dancer, and her companion Kirtn:

1. Fire Dancer (1982)
2. Dancer's Luck (1983)
3. Dancer's Illusion (1983)
4. Timeshadow Rider (1986)

Minor Romances and Duos

Lowell has also written shorter contemporary series, such as the Angel, Hawk and Raven Books (A Woman Without Lies and Love Song for a Raven), the McCalls Books (Fever and Dark Fire), and the Risk Ltd. Books (The Ruby / Whirlpool and Shadow and Silk). Her remaining standalone titles, ranging from 1983's Summer Thunder (her romance debut) to 2015's Perfect Touch, can be read in any order at your convenience.