Book 1), Running Wild (Men from Battle Ridge

I have read every book Linda Howard has
Written I love them all a good book should
Hold your attention her books do. I can't put them down till I have read the whole thing &
Re read them again & again.

I usually don't like anthologies or collaboration books because more often than not, the authors' "voice" is so different from one another that the story suffers badly from it. But I do make an exception for LJ and LH. These two ladies really know how to collaborate, to blend-in, and complement each other's writing. The result is a well written book with richly drawn characters, fluid dialogues (I really enjoyed reading Carlin & Zeke's banter with each other), and engaging story. This book is more romance than thriller, which is fine by me. I enjoyed reading how Carly and Zeke's relationship develops at believable pace and for some reason this book's theme reminded so much of earlier work by LH, which is another plus for me.

Anyway, I highly recommend this book to anyone. What are you waiting for? Go click the 'buy' button already!

I LOVED THESE BOOKS....
I seriously cannot rave enough about this set of books
first one was or was it the second one ....LOL :)
The series was just as interesting as this one.
still an excellent read

Me and mum wife enjoy reading books by Linda Howard. We ar e really believe she is very talented and special novelist, spreading on so many ideas and stories. Should be many movies made from her books. She is keeping you al the way to the end, and we always worry what is going to happened.
Thanks to her very much.

Unfortunately, with the holidays and quite a bit of traveling since my last book order was delivered I have not found the time to do much reading; nevertheless I feel confident I will enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed the many books I have read by Linda Howard.

**********
(Adult content: Explicit sex, violence and murder, no religious profanity but lots of cussing -- about 200 times.

3.75 stars, rounded up, possibly 4. Good! An enjoyable contemporary love story, if a tad disappointing. I loved the characters and the western setting, but there was not enough of that wonderful high-octane suspense I have grown to expect from Linda Howard. (I am not familiar with the co-author.) This book also lacked Howard's famous sexy banter (see Mr. Perfect, for one example). It just didn't have ENOUGH of the earthy bold humor I love -- even though the heroine, Carlin Reed, was named after the comedian, George Carlin, and the authors tried to include witty repartee.

It held my interest, but the suspense was rather weak and the villain seemed one-dimensional. I couldn't get too worried about Carlin's psychotic stalker (Brad), because I knew she was safely off the grid on the ranch, as the book synopsis indicates. I knew she'd be safe from Brad until something happened that would reveal her whereabouts. Also, she made Zeke promise not to hunt down Brad, and wouldn't even tell him Brad's last name.

So ... no offense + no defense = no suspense.

Without any real suspense for most of the book, what's left is a sweet story about big-hearted ranch hands (I liked the scenes of protectiveness and loyalty), good hot food (glad the hungry ranchers finally got something besides oatmeal and cheese toast), lessons in self-defense (I enjoyed these scenes), and Carlin's attempts to make white cake and biscuits (meh). There were also a few potentially life-threatening events, but they were all accidental.

Pacing was weak. I had a hard time staying with it in the long middle section. Too much focus on recipes, laundry, and house cleaning. I wish the book had been shorter. I forgive more of a shorter book.

The love affair with Zeke? Fine! It just didn't do a whole lot for me. Not sure exactly why not. He didn't want her there at first?? They didn't talk much ?? -- first SHE didn't talk to him, keeping him at bay, out of her kitchen, not even calling him by name. Then HE didn't talk much to her, not wanting to spook her, needing her to feel safe at his ranch (sweet) and not flee. Sometimes, it almost felt like he fell in love with her cooking, but only because the authors talked so much about food. Yes, there was some explicit sex, but there wasn't quite enough emotional sizzle. I liked the scene in his office! The one part where Zeke really came across like a super-protective Howard hero is when he beat the tar out of _____, midway through the story. And of course, Zeke was in top alpha protective form at the end, against Brad. That's a Howard hero!

The truth is, I hold Howard to a higher standard than most. Blame it on her other heroes, like Jack, or Sam, or Grant, etc. Even a weak book written by Linda Howard is better than many an average book.

Bottom line: Good! Glad I read it. Glad it has no religious profanity.

Kindle search stats, counting cuss words: dam -140 times, shi*-41 times, F or MF- 23 times ( the store won't let me spell profanity right, but some people want to know details about the kind of language before they buy a book, so I include it. )

Ps. I plan to read the sequel.

***

Audio

Skimming and DNF.

I usually like Linda Howard’s books more than this. Her heroines are pretty smart and operate in the real world, and while the heroes are pretty hunky and are a few links up the evolutionary chain from Diana Palmer heroes. They always do something unforgivable that gets forgiven because the sex is good.

This seemed a little too cliched for me.

HEROINE
She’s in the run from a two date stalker and has learned how to stay under radar. She arrives in Podunk, WY and ends up as the H’s ranch housekeeper. I love this trope. Why? Because in reality the idea of cooking for a group of men on a large scale basis is no fun, but in Romanceland….? I don’t know.

Except she’s so strident. She pitches a fit because she overhears the H call her a “stray”. She goes on and on and on. FINE. Get over it. This goes on intermittently for two chapters

Plus she’s so overwhelmed with his manliness, how he commands the room, the pheromones..zzzzz Maybe because I was hearing this instead of reading it, but no thank you.

HERO
He thinks with his zipper. Surprise. Shallow ex-wife, a hint of mommy issues as she left the ranch after the dad died..Does this sound familiar?

Only the fact that he has fallen in love/lust with her caboose, needs a cook to keep the cowboys happy and has enough dirty laundry to fill Dillards allows him to hire her.

He knows she's on the run and plots to get her in bed because of...her caboose.

SACRIFICIAL PLOT VICTIM
Spencer is the sweet young man on the ranch that takes up the cooking before the h gets there. He’s sweet, thinks good of everyone, is good with animals. The first time he’s on page all I could think was he’s a goner. Thankfully, they didn’t think of offing him, or they decided to spare us. And him.

VILLAIN
Channeling the Law Abiding Citizen trope, the stalker is an ex-cop from South Texas and has the hacking computer skills of the CIA or a nerdy teenager. Perhaps layman are that tech savvy, but he should just work for Facebook and manipulate and destroy lives that way.

I have been reading for many, many years and have loved many writers during that time. Linda Howard has been a favorite for a very long time. But I have to ask, where did her writing talent and her ability to tell a story go? There have been books by LH that I wished for just 1 more page. Characters you loved that shared romance and a really great story. This book is not one of them.
I found it crude. There is no other word for it. If LH's editor is telling her to add vulgarity because this is 'today', she needs to listen to her fans instead. Crude. None of it added to the story in any way. Why write a story that is less when you can write one that is more? One that shows the growth of the caring and trust between the hero and heroine.
I gave the story a 2 for the humor and sass of Carlin. I didn't care for her name at all but at least we got to call her Carly through the book. I love humor in a story. But the long drawn out discussions of cooking and cleaning and more cooking and more cleaning became boring and dry. Zeke was never completely fleshed out, except on the front cover of the book. What I mean is, we really didn't get to know him. I found the story being told felt like it was jerked along. The time line was completely off, referring to a couple of months having passed, when it had to be at least 4 or 5 months.
The entire book needed to be reworked and some serious editing done. The romance was non-existent and almost cold until Carlin decided it was time to take what she wanted. Really? Crude.
I felt the last 1/4 of the book was rushed and just a way to tie up ends. I don't know a lot about Ms. Jones or her writing, but did Ms. Howard just put her name on the book because I really didn't find much, if any, of her quality of writing.

3.0 STARS

When I read the prologue, I was intrigued because it was an interesting and unusual start. But then the actual story began and everything went downhill from there.

1. The outline of this story has been told countless times, which isn't necessarily the end of the world, but it does mean that by about 20 pages into the book we all know the general outline of what the romance will look like, who the protaganists will be, where the suspense resides, how it is going to end, etc. So then for the next 2/3 of the book it just becomes a book about an ordinary ranch and its employees, a flirtation that culminates in predictable love scenes, and a one-dimensional villian.

In a nutshell, both the love story and the suspense storyline are predictable and boring. In fact, I think this story epitomizes what "derivative" means and all the negative connotations associated with it.

2. There are miscellaneous side stories/characters/ideas that seem like they might be of significance but then they peter out to nothing. (I won't give examples because that might "spoil" something prematurely, though ultimately readers will be disappointed once they see the storylines/characters that end up going nowhere.) This is very sloppy writing and it is extremely frustrating for the reader. I don't know if the intent was to raise some interest for the next book in the series, but if so, it was poorly done. (For an outstanding example of how to put together a series the right way, try The MacKenzies by LH, an all-time favorite.)

In a nutshell, the story is poorly edited.

3. There was nothing really special or memorable about any of the characters - with the possible exception of Kat and Spencer. (Kat is probably the only non-lead that is even remotely fleshed out, and she is not that interesting - certainly not enough to want to read the next story in the series.) While the heroine seemed strong and pulled together most of the time, I thought the hero just seemed horny and appreciative of having his laundry done - could not see why he was falling in love. (However, I did understand his alpha male appeal to the heroine, who wanted to feel safe.)

In a nutshell, there is nothing so special in what I read that makes me eager and anxious to read the next book in the series.

4. Why read it in the first place? For three reasons - first, if you are not a big reader of ranch/cowboy love stories, then maybe this story will seem kind of fresh; second, Kat and Spencer both have potential to be interesting characters in future stories; and third, the writing is good even though the storyline has huge holes in it or goes off in some inconsequential and incomprehensible directions.

In a nutshell, while this story does not merit a special trip to the library (and certainly not one to the bookstore) it is an okay distraction for those not familiar with the rancher/housekeeper romance genre of cowboy stories.

BTW, as I was reading this story my mind would periodically wander and I would remember a story I read by Jayne Ann Krentz that was also titled Running Wild (or so I thought). Turns out I got the title wrong - it is called Running Hot - but I think it is an example of a really good contemporary love story and suspense story/series that is definitely worth a trip to the library or bookstore in your area.

3.0 STARS

When I read the prologue, I was intrigued because it was an interesting and unusual start. But then the actual story began and everything went downhill from there.

1. The outline of this story has been told countless times, which isn't necessarily the end of the world, but it does mean that by about 20 pages into the book we all know the general outline of what the romance will look like, who the protaganists will be, where the suspense resides, how it is going to end, etc. So then for the next 2/3 of the book it just becomes a book about an ordinary ranch and its employees, a flirtation that culminates in predictable love scenes, and a one-dimensional villian.

In a nutshell, both the love story and the suspense storyline are predictable and boring. In fact, I think this story epitomizes what "derivative" means and all the negative connotations associated with it.

2. There are miscellaneous side stories/characters/ideas that seem like they might be of significance but then they peter out to nothing. (I won't give examples because that might "spoil" something prematurely, though ultimately readers will be disappointed once they see the storylines/characters that end up going nowhere.) This is very sloppy writing and it is extremely frustrating for the reader. I don't know if the intent was to raise some interest for the next book in the series, but if so, it was poorly done. (For an outstanding example of how to put together a series the right way, try The MacKenzies by LH, an all-time favorite.)

In a nutshell, the story is poorly edited.

3. There was nothing really special or memorable about any of the characters - with the possible exception of Kat and Spencer. (Kat is probably the only non-lead that is even remotely fleshed out, and she is not that interesting - certainly not enough to want to read the next story in the series.) While the heroine seemed strong and pulled together most of the time, I thought the hero just seemed horny and appreciative of having his laundry done - could not see why he was falling in love. (However, I did understand his alpha male appeal to the heroine, who wanted to feel safe.)

In a nutshell, there is nothing so special in what I read that makes me eager and anxious to read the next book in the series.

4. Why read it in the first place? For three reasons - first, if you are not a big reader of ranch/cowboy love stories, then maybe this story will seem kind of fresh; second, Kat and Spencer both have potential to be interesting characters in future stories; and third, the writing is good even though the storyline has huge holes in it or goes off in some inconsequential and incomprehensible directions.

In a nutshell, while this story does not merit a special trip to the library (and certainly not one to the bookstore) it is an okay distraction for those not familiar with the rancher/housekeeper romance genre of cowboy stories.

BTW, as I was reading this story my mind would periodically wander and I would remember a story I read by Jayne Ann Krentz that was also titled Running Wild (or so I thought). Turns out I got the title wrong - it is called Running Hot - but I think it is an example of a really good contemporary love story and suspense story/series that is definitely worth a trip to the library or bookstore in your area.

This is a very average story with moderately interesting main characters -- Carlin Reed and ranch owner Zeke Decker. Carlin is on the run from a policeman who obsesses over her and decides to kill her when she doesn't return his affection.

She winds up in Battle Ridge, Wyoming, a small town growing smaller, as times become more difficult for the ranchers. Zeke doubts Carlin’s story but agrees to the deadbolts and cash payments. He needs a housekeeper and cook desperately.

However, along the way, Zeke realizes the terror Carlin lives with and sets out to do something about it. He teaches Carlin how to shoot and fight dirty, which gives her confidence.

Whatever suspense there was didn’t travel through the pages; Brad, the bad policeman, was two-dimensional. The relationship between Kat and Carlin seemed natural and realistic.

The ‘little woman’ taking over a house in turmoil is an oft-used device. This book didn’t add anything different or interesting to the plotline. This was definitely a ho-hum novel.

I got this book for free through goodreads first reads

Ever since her creepy stalker took over her life and drove her into fear, Carlin Reed has been on the run, keeping off grid and moving from one town to the next. In months she has never found herself stationary in a place she could call home. Stumbling into Battle Ridge, Wyoming, never did she expect to get a job. After becoming a cook and a housekeeper to a cattle rancher Zeke Decker, she shouldn't have taken his cousin Kat's warning about cowboys lightly. As the rugged rancher sets her blood boiling, Zeke Decker is a dangerous temptation. Zeke doesn't question Carlin's demands to stay off the grid at first, and he knows come spring the woman will have to move on. Thought he knows she is in danger, he tries to keep things as professional as possible. But the woman occupies his thoughts and sends blood rushing south every time his around her.

This book was love. The attraction was there as well as chemistry. It had romantic suspense, a ruggedly sexy cowboy, and a creepy obsessed stalker. Granted, I didn't expect to see the stalkers perspective and could have done without it, but it did tie and blend into the story well. The situation and reactions from Carlin were raw emotions of fear and with that developed her into one amazing character. She didn't jump into stupid incidents because she had a stalker, she was a woman on a mission to survive.

The author did a great job with the characters. I loved Zeke, his reaction to Carlin was amusing, their interactions based on the sexual tension crackling between them had me giggling at times. Plus, I loved Spencer, one of the ranch hands - he was kind of sweet at times. I hope the other book in the series will be based on him.

I felt bad for Carlin, living in a constant shadow of fear everyday, looking over her shoulder and simply waiting to run. But I did love how their relationship grew through the book before they went jumping into bed together. There was times that Zeke made me aww at how considerate he was. There was other times that the character in the book made me angry for the things they did. Like his disgusting Rancher at the beginning of the book and their old housekeeper. Both overall it was a nice fix for a romance reader that needed something new, different, and amazing read. Looking forward to the next book of the series.

Readers, if you like contemporary cowboy or small town romance stories, then you definitely do not want to miss Running Wild by Linda Howard.

Carlin is a woman living in fear, constantly moving from place to place to hide from her dangerous stalker ex-boyfriend. When Carlin reaches Battle Ridge, she finds a friend in Kat, a local diner owner. Kat takes Carlin in, gives her a place to stay, work, and teaches her how to cook. When winter begins rolling in and Kat's cousin Zeke is in desperate need of a cook and housekeeper, Carlin finds herself taking the position. Carlin begins to worm her way into life on the ranch, endearing herself to the ranch hands, and getting under Zeke's skin. She still keeps secrets and she is always ready to bolt, even though she starts feeling that she might want to say.

Running Wild is an excellent romance read. The small town story gives a sense of community and family to Carlin, who has been so alone. Carlin is terrified of trusting anyone, with good reason. I was rooting for Zeke to get her to open up. What I loved about the romance was the slow pace of it. Zeke and Carlin definitely do not have an insta-love connection. It takes time, quite a bit of time, and patience for the pair to get to know each other and for Carlin to even begin to open up. The time makes their connection feel more real, and all the more sweet because of it.

Kat, the ranch hands, and even the former housekeeper are all enjoyable secondary characters. They give the story some light, humorous moments as well as more dramatic moments. Running Wild is a very well-developed story, and through it I got to know the characters and became attached. Running Wild is the first book in a new series, and I am looking forward to future books.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Review also posted to Book Savvy Babe blog*

Yet another winner from the due of authors, Linda Howard & Linda Winstead Jones. This time they are channelling those much loved cowboys, their so very stubborn ways in one finger looking good romance that will make you a dedicated fan if you aren't already. Running Wild: The Men from Battle Ridge , book 1 in a new series!

I have to say that I absolutely loved this first book! I thought that Zeke was everything that I picture in a born and bread cowboy. Hard, hot and sexy, oh and a real grouch! Just the perfect match for girl on the run Carlin. Her crazy ex almost kills her, but instead kills her good friend by mistake. He has the smarts and the access to hunt her down and that is exactly what he sets out to do. Finding the small town of Battle Ridge, WY, this is exactly what she needs. Hidden out on a ranch with a grumpy rancher who has been unlucky at love but soon realizes that he has met his match. Carlin may be on the run but she is no slouch, she stands up to Zeke and I couldn't help but laugh out loud at some of their confrontation. The dynamics between the two are simply fun and intense and with drama and passion the story that is tender. Their feelings are intense with desire and create a very a tumultuous and angst-filled relationship that almost ends too soon when Carlin's ex catches up to her to make her pay with the ultimate price, her life. I am without a doubt standing in line for book #2 in the series..... I can't wait!!

I read both of Linda Howard's newest books, SHADOW WOMAN & RUNNING WILD.

RUNNING WILD is a better rounded story. OK there's a stalker, a woman in danger and protective men, that's all been done before but I thought it was done well in this story. The heroine is smart and the dialogue is witty. I didn't feel there was an overwhelming amount of cursing. Granted the "F" word was used but it has become a common word in today's society and it wasn't all that frequent. I listened to the book on CD so I can't comment on the recipes included.

I was disappointed with SHADOW WOMAN, too much back story missing and the resolution very weak, this book was "tighter". The story unfolded in a believable manner.

If you are going to buy one Linda Howard book, buy this one. Get SHADOW WOMAN from the library.

"Running Wild" is a contemporary Western romance. It has romance, action, suspense and a "Hot" cowboy.

Carlin Reed is on the run from a stalker who tried to kill her. She finds herself in Battle Ridge looking for a job. Zeke Decker is a cattle rancher in need of a cook and housekeeper. When they meet sparks fly but neither one wants to give into temptation. Will they be able to work together and not give into their desires? Will her stalker find her?

Carlin is a feisty, self-reliant woman but has a vulnerable side. Zeke is a good looking cowboy with a tough exterior and a heart of gold. I enjoyed the banter between Carlin and Zeke. I look forward to reading more from this writing team.

After a couple of dates with a seemingly nice guy, Carlin Reed discovers she should always trust her instincts and flees town. When this madman gets a little too close to Carlin and she loses a friend, she takes matters seriously and goes underground. Carlin has landed in Battle Ridge, Wyoming, but she doesn't plan to stay long. Obtaining a housekeeper/cook job for a sexy cowboy wasn't on her list of things to do, but Carlin could use the money and the out of the way ranch seems like a godsend.

Zeke takes on Carlin as a housekeeper/cook despite his better judgment. He soon realizes that there is more to her story than he originally thought, and his protective instincts are making an appearance where she is concerned. Zeke convinces himself that it will only be for the short term, but he soon finds that he is more involved than he originally thought. Of course, the past has a way of catching up with a person and soon Carlin has to make a choice: stay in Battle Ridge taking a stand, or flee to protect her new found friends.

The premise of Running Wild intrigued me from the beginning. I had to know how the story would play out with Carlin's past making a reappearance in her life and whether or not she had to rely upon a man to save the day. The first few pages dragged for me a bit in Running Wild, however when the story quickly took up with Carlin and her problems, I was engrossed in Running Wild .

The thoughts and dialogue coming from Zeke sounded spot on for a male cowboy, and I loved the snappy bantering between him and Carlin in Running Wild. I half expected more action to comprise the interaction between Carlin and Zeke, too. However, the story seemed to bog down a bit with day to day duties, but that just showed that Carlin doesn't give up too easily. I did like that Carlin seemed to stay true to her character and Zeke was a great macho hero in Running Wild. The secondary characters just added to the richness of Running Wild and moved the story along as well. The off-the-grid living that Carlin had to figure out was interesting as well and further showed the adaptability of this great heroine who learns to stand for herself.

Running Wild had some nail-bitingly intense scenes between the covers, but none more so than when the past emerges for Carlin and the reader wonders will she or won't she.

On a side note, I am wondering about this Never Fail White Cake that Carlin made for the men at the ranch. I'm wondering if there is some irony in that title. LOL!

Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed

I think I have read everything Linda Howard has written. I truly feel that no one does romantic suspense better. This latest book with accomplished co-author, Linda Jones is yet another example of their ability to keep me riveted and turning pages. The story is a bit predictable and there did seem to be some filler but overall this was a good read. There is a long, slow build up to the romance which heightens the sensual tension and the evil villain's relentless pursuit makes your heart beat elevate with the anxious tension.