Running Wild

October 15, 2012
Howard and Jones (Blood Born, 2010), both prolific solo romance novelists, return with a suspenseful collaboration set in a quirky small town in Wyoming. Rancher Zeke Decker is reeling from the retirement of Libby, his housekeeper, cook, and surrogate mother. He searches for a replacement, intending to not hire an attractive young woman, particularly one he fancies. Carlin Reed fills those unwanted qualities to a T and comes with even more trouble: she left her life and identity in Texas behind after her stalker murdered a woman he mistook for her. Zeke’s irresistible attraction to Carlin, however, proves more temptation than he can pass up. While their growing relationship drives the story, support is provided by characters like Zeke’s spirited cousin Kat Bailey and wise old foreman Walt. The sense of danger, both from Carlin’s stalker and the treacherous Wyoming winter, heightens a sweet, believable, and satisfying romance.

December 1, 2012

Shocked into frightening reality when her officemate is mistakenly murdered in her place, Carlin Reed cuts her connections and disappears. Now off the grid and on the run from a relentless stalker, Carlin has gone to ground for the winter in tiny Battle Ridge, WY, as the temporary cook and housekeeper at Zeke Decker's isolated ranch. Sparks fly from the start as the stubborn, wary pair unsuccessfully fight their escalating mutual appeal, even though Carlin knows it's only a matter of time before she'll have to keep moving. VERDICT With riveting writing, witty dialog, compelling characters (including one very twisted computer-savvy villain), and heated sexual tension, this taut, page-turning thriller from these talented authors will have fans eagerly looking forward to the next in the series. Howard and Jones (Blood Born) each write separately, as Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones; they live in Alabama.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.