Open Season by Linda Howard

Book Description:
Be careful what you wish for....  

On her thirty-fourth birthday, Daisy Minor decides to make over her entire life. The small-town librarian has had it with her boring clothes, her ordinary looks, and nearly a decade without so much as a date. It's time to get a life -- and a sex life. The perennial good girl, Daisy transforms herself into a party girl extraordinaire -- dancing the night away at clubs, laughing and flirting with abandon -- and she's declared open season for manhunting. But her free-spirited fun turns to shattering danger when she witnesses something she shouldn't -- and becomes the target of a killer. Now, before she can meet the one man who can share her life, first she may need him to save it.

This was such a great read, I loved it!  Funny, suspenseful, hot - you name it! Plus it had an adorable golden retriever puppy in it! What more could you ask for! I adored it! 

Staid small town librarian, Daisy Minor, gives herself a makeover on her birthday.  It's high time she moved out of her mother's house and got a place on her own - and a sex life.  She's thirty-four years old and really needs to change things.  With her new blonde haircut, make up and an updated wardrobe she happens to attract the attention of the town's brawny police chief  - Jack Russo!  A brash out of towner from Chicago, she is less than thrilled with Jack and his Yankee ways.  Yet, they keep bumping into each other and pretty soon the whole town is talking about their hot love affair!  But... wait a minute... there is no affair - yet.  Meanwhile, Daisy is testing out her new look at the nearby dance clubs and unwittingly witnesses a murder one night in the parking lot of one of them and becomes a target herself.  Who's there to save her? You guessed it!

The plot is a complex one, full of interesting side characters involving the mayor of the town who is behind a white slavery ring, bringing girls in from Mexico and Russia, selling them to the highest bidders - virgins commanding the highest prices.  Daisy has witnessed the murder of one of the guys working for the ring and she has to be gotten rid of so she can't testify.  The cast of characters are colorful and lively and I was really drawn into the story - it was nearly impossible to put down! I loved the way we see how it all unfolds and just what kind of a mess the mayor finds himself in - all very clever and well written!

Back to Jack and Daisy... soon enough, Jack and Daisy's non-affair turns into a full blown real one, the chemistry between the two is electric and despite Daisy's early protestations that she doesn't want to have anything to do with Jack, she's ripe for a fling and finds he's too hard to resist.  His large countenance (in every respect) and "won't take no for an answer" attitude is impossible to ignore.   Plus, he's great in bed.  *sigh*  The one catch - she thinks he's not into getting married - yet she's not getting any younger and she wants to have babies!  Hence her whole reason for the make over.  She's out to snag a husband and have a family!   Hmmm... what to do, what to do?

One of my very favorite things about this book was the humor.  I found myself chuckling over and over again over the frequent meetings between Jack and Daisy.  One particular moment in the drugstore with a box of condoms is hilarious!  They have many funny moments and conversations throughout the book.  The dialogue between them is fast and sassy, she can hold her own with him.  Yet, as they get closer, he becomes ever more protective of her.  Since Daisy has moved out and living alone in a not so great part of town - albeit a small southern sleepy kind of town - she buys herself a watch dog.  Jack has advised her to get a no nonsense canine - something like a German Shepherd.  What does Daisy get - a golden retriever puppy!  As the owner of a golden retriever myself, I thought Jack's reaction was priceless. 

"That's a golden retriever puppy."  She cuddled the baby to her. "So?"  With measured movements, Jack closed the door, locked it, then rhythmically beat his head against the frame.  "What's wrong with my puppy?" Daisy demanded.

"He's a puppy."  ...

"He'll grow," she said.  "Look at the size of his feet.  He's going to be huge."

"He'll still be a golden retriever."

"What's wrong with that? I think he's beautiful."

"He is.  He's gorgeous.  But goldens are so friendly, they're no protection at all.  They think everyone is their friend, placed on earth just to pet them.  He might bark to let you know when someone comes up, but that's about it."

"That's okay, he's perfect for me."  She kissed the top of the puppy's head. He was squirming trying to get down so he could investigate this new human.

Sighing, Jack reached out and took the little guy in his big hands.  The puppy began licking madly at every inch of skin he could reach.  "So, his name's Killer?"

"No, I've just been trying out names.  Nothing seems to fit."

"Not if they're like Killer, they won't.  You name goldens something like Lucky, or Fuzzbutt."  He lifted the puppy until they were nose to nose.  "How about Midas or Riley or --"

"Midas!" Daisy said, her eyes lighting as she stared from him to the puppy. "That's perfect!" She threw her arms around him, stretching up on tiptoe in an effort to kiss him, but the newly named Midas got there first and licked her on the mouth.  She sputtered and wiped her mouth, "Thanks sweetie, but you aren't half the kisser the guy is."

"Thanks," Jack said, holding Midas at a safe distance as he leaned down and their lips met.  And clung.  The kiss deepened.  The melting started again. 

"Do you mind if I spend the night?" he murmured, trailing kisses down her throat. 

He is sinfully sexy.  I loved Jack.  He's big and commanding - a real alpha.  Yet he knows when to be sweet and gentle when it matters.  Aside from his too short haircut and a little overdoing it with the muscles, I'd say he was near perfect.   I also really loved Daisy, but she got a little left out of the book towards the big climatic ending.  Jack told her to stay put and keep out of trouble while he handled things with the bad guys - and she did!

Do yourself a favor and read this book, it was so much fun and a real keeper!  Linda Howard has become one of my favorite contemporary romantic suspense authors, she really is great with this genre.

4.5/5

P.S.  Ms. Howard's descriptions of owning a puppy are right on target.  Lo and behold, I looked it up and yes, she is the proud owner of a golden or two.  I knew it!  They are such scamps as puppies, but so adorable!  I'm treating you to some pictures of my Hector when he was a little pup - about 10 weeks! Oh my how time flies!  He's nearly ten years old now!

Those cute little legs behind him, only a puppy can do this!

Always smiling up at you - always happy!

 

What a sweetie!

One of his two speeds: sleeeping

All Grown Up

 

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Dream Man by Linda Howard (audio)

Book Description:
Detective Dane Hollister of the Orlando police department has never met anyone quite like Marlie Keen. While he has doubts about her supposed clairvoyant powers, she sees crimes as they're being committed, there is no doubt about how much he desires her. To Marlie, Dane is all heat and hard muscle, and he makes her body come alive as it never has before. But not even she can foresee that their passion will lead them on a dangerous journey into the twisted mind of a madman who will threaten their happiness and their lives.

Quickie Review:

This was a great romantic suspense thriller - on audio it was incredible!  With Phil Gigante narrating as Dane Hollister, it was to die for.  I already know Phil from his narration of Karen Marie Moning's books - 'nuff said.  If you loved him as a Scottish Highlander or Barron's from her Fever series - you'll love him as Dane as well.

Linda Howard is a favorite of mine and Dream Man is another total winner.   Full of nail biting moments, the reader follows Detective Dane Hollister as he's on the hunt for a serial killer in Orlando, FL.  Marlie Keen had a traumatic and horrible experience six years earlier while working with the police to catch a killer.  Because of it, she lost her "powers" -  until now.  Marlie is clairvoyant and has the unique ability to see inside the killers' heads as they select their victims and kill them.  Marlie, who has worked with the police in the past, helping them solve murder mysteries, comes face to face with Dane Hollister who is the chief detective investigating a recent and very bloody brutal murder that has taken place in Orlando.

Dane is skeptical of Marlie upon their first meeting.  At first, he doesn't believe a thing she's saying about witnessing the recent murder because she's inside the killer's head while he's doing it.  They're antagonistic towards one another, exacerbated by the fact that Dane has a raging hard-on through the whole thing! As much as he dislikes Marlie at first, he's unaccountably attracted to her!  He can't seem to control it, and she's pretty much oblivious to it in the beginning.  But his partner (who I loved!) was onto it from the get go!  Poor Dane, every time he gets near her, he can't stop himself from pointing like a hunting dog - he can't help it!

Pretty soon, Marlie proves herself the real thing and Dane, reluctantly, admits she really can see into the killer's mind.  At the same time, he is nutso over her - and Marlie is overwhelmed by this incredibly macho detective that is coming on to her like gangbusters!  Let me just say right now, I simply loved Dane!  OMG!  I want.

Dane doesn't take no for an answer form Marlie.  She is no match for this raging mass of testosterone that has zeroed in on her and before we know it - he's moved in with her and they are having a torrid affair.  My one gripe is how quickly they go from strangers to lovers - to living together!  Same thing in her Mr. Perfect.  Hell, I'm not really complaining, it cuts out a lot of red tape in the relationship, although in respect to Marlie and Dane, this quickness in their relationship becomes an understandable obstacle.  I'm leaving a ton out.  Marlie becomes totally debilitated every time the killer kills his victim.  Dane is full of anguish over "using" her to catch the killer and it backfires on him (of course.)  The book was full of suspense and it was a really clever story - but graphic, not for the faint of heart.  When he kills his victims, it's not pretty.  

Do yourself a favor and get this book and read it or better yet, get the audio version - you won't regret it.  All the characters are interesting, the plot is great, the psychological aspect inside the killer's mind is fantastic.  Did I mention that the romance sizzles off the pages?  Marlie is one lucky clairvoyant (though she can't get inside Dane's head - much to his relief.)  I couldn't stop myself from listening to this audiotape every chance I got.  Empty the dishwasher?  Sure!  I don't mind - I can listen to Dream Man while doing it!

This is a winning book and Phil Gigante made it.  I am so in love with him Dane Hollister.  A contemporary Alpha - notice the capital A?


4.5/5

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Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard

Book Description:
What would make the perfect man?

That's the deliciously racy topic that Jaine Bright and her three girlfriends are pondering one night at their favorite after-hours hot spot: Mr. Perfect. Would he be tall, dark, and handsome? Caring and warmhearted - or will just muscular do? As their conversation heats up, they concoct a tongue-in-cheek checklist that becomes an overnight sensation, spreading like wildfire at work and sizzling along e-mail lines. But what began as a joke among friends turns deadly serious when one of the four women is murdered....Turning to her neighbor, an unpredictable police detective, for help, Jaine must unmask a killer to save her friends - and herself.  Now, knowing whom to trust and whom to love is a matter of survival - as the dream of Mr. Perfect becomes a chilling nightmare.

This was an excellent suspenseful romance that was nearly impossible for me to put down. Feisty heroine, Jaine Bright and her three friends’ Mr. Perfect list puts them all in danger. What was supposed to be nothing more than a joke now makes the rounds at the office. Word spreads like wildfire across the internet, thus hitting the news agencies and morning news shows who want to interview the four women. Their little list has now become the flavor of the week. Unfortunately, a psychotic killer doesn’t think the list is so funny and he systematically decides to kill each of the women.

Meanwhile, Jaine has recently moved into her first house as a single home owner. All is right with the world except she hates her grubby next door neighbor who she is convinced is an alcoholic derelict – that is until she finds out he’s a cop and gets an eyeful of him one morning walking around in his kitchen in the butt buff. ;) Quite the eye candy! After that, he and Jaine develop the hots for one another, and boy – it’s hot! The chemistry sizzles, the heat scorches the pages, Linda Howard is aces at building sexual tension, teasing the reader along until these two are about to combust! In addition to the romance end of it, their playful banter flows effortlessly, the dialogue and action is fast and well paced – it was simply a great book! I loved it!

Sam Donovan is built with the body of a god and not afraid to show it off. The scene through the kitchen window is a hoot! He is to die for (although his hair is a bit short for my own personal tastes – a minor point in the grand scheme of things.) With a heart of gold and as brave and heroic as any medieval warrior – he’s someone who can handle just about anything. He also knows what he wants and doesn’t hesitate in going after it. He wants Jaine. Fortunately, Jaine reciprocates the feeling and realizes what a catch he is and melts in his arms (I would too.) As much as we don’t have to deal with a lot of romantic angst in their relationship, my one gripe with the story is just how quickly these two hook up with each other – as in marriage. It seemed a bit fast – I liked it, don’t get me wrong - but they instantaneously decide to get married within weeks of knowing one another. All hell is breaking loose around Jaine and her friends, due to the list, not to mention they’re starting to drop like flies from their friendly psychopath - and Sam is proposing marriage!

Naturally, our hero, Sam, is just the kind of cop that specializes in homicidal maniacs, yet, the killer proves to be quite a challenge and the reader is in for a big surprise at the end.  It was very, very clever, the whole play on the Perfect Man was really well done.  Jaine had no idea her grubby neighbor could very well wind up as her own Mr. Perfect, and no one guesses who the killer is - who has a serious Mr. Perfect complex.  I can’t recommend this book enough.  The characters are well defined, Jaine's friends have personalities - we know them!  Making parts of the book all the more bittersweet in parts.  I know now why this is always in the top ten best romance lists, it really is a winner and a worthwhile read. I could kick myself for not having read it earlier. I’ve only read one other book of Howard’s, Son of the Morning, and I loved that one as well. I’m definitely checking out the rest of her backlist! If contemporary romantic suspense is your thing – then read this! You won’t be sorry!

5/5

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Son of the Morning by Linda Howard

Book Description:
A scholar specializing in ancient manuscripts, Grace St. John never imagined that a cache of fragile, old documents she discovered was the missing link to a lost Celtic treasure. But as soon as she deciphers the intriguing legend of the Knights of the Templar -- long fabled to hold the key to unlimited power -- Grace becomes the target of a ruthless killer bent on abusing the coveted force. Determined to stop him, Grace needs the help of a celebrated warrior bound by duty to uphold the Templar's secret for all eternity. But to find him -- and to save herself -- she must go back in time.

Summoning the magic of an arcane ritual, Grace steps back to the barren hills of 14th-century Scotland, enduring the perils of an untamed land to confront Black Niall, a fierce man of dark fury and raw, unbridled desire. Driven by a mix of fear and passion, Grace enlists this brazen knight to join her in a modern-day search for a killer. In their quest to protect a timeless secret, they uncover a love for all time -- and a deadly duel of honor that risks everything they have.h

Outlander meets the Da Vinci Code?  Whatever is - I really loved this book!

It was so exciting and not what I expected at all. It starts out like a thriller a la Grisham's The Pelican Brief. Grace St. John a scholar in medieval languages and archeology witnesses the murder of her brother and husband and must go on the run in order not to be murdered herself by the evil Foundation that is in search of the lost treasure of the Knights of Templar. The book has elements of The Da Vinci Code in the Templar respect. But, then at the same time, this is a Scottish highlander time travel romance! Kniall is a true alpha hero Scottish warrior that is a former Knight of the Templar in 1322 and he is also the designated Guardian of the Treasure, kept at his Scottish Castle. He and Grace have a certain kind of telepathy going in their dreams of which are sexy and erotic. She is translating documents and old manuscripts that describe him and she can't get him out of her mind. Last but not least, I found some similarities in this story to the movie, "Nurse Betty" with Grace being hunted down by two of the Foundation's henchmen who want her dead. While Grace is on the run and fighting off the henchman she makes a few friends who are interesting, a computer geek and her colorful landlady, a former call girl who becomes her confidante, Harmony. The majority of the book is following Grace and her transformation from sendentary slightly overweight scholar to tough, lithesome, street savvy commando (think the girl in "The Terminator Part II".)

In the last third of the book, Grace must travel back in time to be with Kniall in order to save the Treasure from the evil Parrish (head of the Foundation.) We learn about Kniall and his life as a warrior and the Guardian and the history of the Templars and finally the culmination of when Grace and Kniall finally meet face to face - which is not exactly the "reunion" we've been waiting for, but eventually they have a very, very, steamy sexy night together. Kniall must travel forward in time to defeat the evil Foundation as well and he comes face to face with Parrish - exciting stuff!

I thought the whole thing was very entertaining. A few loopholes, but who cares? This was a riveting thriller of a time travel novel and I ate it up - all while on my non-stop flight from California to Newark. I highly recommend it!

5/5

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