Up Close and Dangerous: A Novel

As a survival story, 'Up Close and Dangerous' was a good read, although,much like the plane, it ran out of gas before the end!
The two characters, saddled with overly 'cute' names, went through the predictable change in outlook and perspective, going from bitter enemies to lovers. Along the way, readers got a crash course in survival skills, as well as deriving heat from a failing engine battery, and making pine-needle tea! (Somehow, by that point in the story, it was beginning to remind me of 'Gilligan's Island'...picture Gilligan generating electricity on a stationary bike, and the many 'coconut' dishes the girls whipped up!)
This story avoided some of the cliches of the romance genre, by making the characters' reactions believable(for the most part), and not cartoonish. There was a bit too much repetition of some of the mundane/silly survival details(the mouthwash bottle, the many garments torn up for protective covering, the awkwardness of Cam wrapped in Bailey's shirts),and, until the last chapters, the jumps between playful banter and the 'businesslike' relationship seemed kind of forced. However, the character-development scenes, in which Cam and Bailey got to know each other through their cooperation, lifted the book above the usual ' Me man, you woman, us have sex at least once very other chapter' scenes in most romance books!
The secondary plots(sabotage and Bailey's ungrateful step-kids) were disappointing, however, and the sabotage angle in particular seemed like a cheap ploy to get non-romance readers to pick up the book.
If you're ever in a plane crash, and you have a copy of this book with you, read it before using it for maing a fire!

I agree with some of the reviewers here. This does not seem like it was written by Linda Howard. I've read some of her other works and this was just not in the same league. This book was totally disappointing from start to finish. Bailey marries and old fart so she can manage money for his children from his previous marriage--she's not a gold digger herself? WHY would she marry someone for that reason?

The main plot--Bailey who is now a widow charters a private jet to meet her brother Logan and his wife P-E-A-C-H-E-S (give me a break with the name) for a white water rafting trip.

Bailey hates the pilot, Cameron Justice (ridiculous name)she has traveled with J&L airlines since she has worked for and married her rich old husband(who is now deceased)so she knows the pilot. The plane crashes in the mountains. Cameron, the pilot, is severely injured with a horrible concussion and almost bleeds to death. Bailey stiches his head up and he gets a hard-on--give me a break. Do people usually get horney when they're struggling in a life or death survival situation? Ugh!!! The romance , if you could call it that is so far-fetched. Both the heroine and hero hated each other. Howard makes it seem like they fall for each other as soon as the plane crashed--too contrived for me.

Horrible dialogue, horrible writing. Horrible plot, far-fetched senario for a villian. Don't waste your time. I'm being generous with 2 stars.

Bailey Wingate was both married and widowed within one year and left in charge of a multi million-dollar trust fund for her two stepchildren who whose sole priority is to make her life miserable. In an attempt to escape the drama, Bailey embarks from Washington on a two-week river-rafting trip to Denver Colorado. She is paired with Cam Justice as her pilot to ferry her across the air. Cam had made it clear that he dislikes Bailey and she returns the sentiment. While crossing the mountains the plane experiences some serious problems and both Cam and Bailey crash on top of a snow covered mountain. Left with little options Bailey drags an injured Cam from the destroyed aircraft and aids to his serious head injury. Stuck on the top of a mountain with the realization of sabotage and no hope of rescue, Cam and Bailey work together to help themselves and along the way Bailey gives more of herself to Cam than she ever has to anyone else before. Set in snow, Linda Howard provides some hot and steamy scenes between the two leading characters and strings along a minor mystery. Up Close and Dangerous is a good read, the main characters are highly developed and intense and the minor characters are very interesting but do not play an important to the story. The book lacks a strong mystery and would be better classified as a romance. Valerie Jones [email protected]

There's something inspiring about a smart heroine, even one who has serious trust issues, like Bailey Wingate. Inundating her characters with serious time constraints and genuine terror, Linda Howard lets them evolve into more than just what is skin-deep. Bailey is always holding back on just about everything, to protect her vulnerable inner core. That's why the strong, silent, testosterone-overdosing Cam Justice is a perfect partner for her when they are lost in an aircraft crash that requires them to dig deep within themselves to survive. Some authors might have taken the easy way out and put the sexy pair on a deserted island. Being stranded in the middle of a freezing cold environment, without the normal comforts of home, can put a damper on romance. Leave it to Bailey to bring along disposable toothbrushes. Ms. Howard has created a very resourceful couple who consider ways to think outside the box in their desperate effort to get back to civilization. The sex was tantalizing, highly descriptive, and yet fitting for the heroine teetering on the edge of letting go and giving in to her human instincts and need for true love. The constant tug-of-war raging on the mountain occurred on several levels -- physical, mental, and emotional, and some of the choices and decisions made by the characters were surprising. Ms. Howard doesn't always go with the easy route, and that's what makes this a good read.

CD/abridged: Romantic Suspense? No really. I did not like the first part of the book; too formula. After the plane crash and learning about pine needle tea, it warmed up to me. There struggle for survival was palatable and interesting. There was no real sense of danger, like the plane falling on them. However, the romance isn't going to be long-lasting (I'd give it two years, tops); they got together after being stranded on a mountain via a plane crash. I didn't get why the heroine didn't just give the money to her step-kids. And if her dead husband was such a good man, why did he have not one, but two shallow, money grubbing children. This book was abridged and read more like a Harlequin Romance. If I would have had it in paperback, I would have never finished it.

This is my first Linda Howard it has little story beyond boy meets girl, both are not impressed, circumstances change their limits. Here and there were some clever lines, but the details keep getting in the way. A plane crash, marooned in the wilderness, etc., the answers seemed much too easy for a city girl. I still haven't figured out where she planned to leave all that luggage while rafting.
The germ/bacteria worry was not necessary, germs don't live at below zero temperatures, nor am I sure where the "dirt" came from in the fresh melted snow at 14,000 feet. Digging above the permafrost line to bedrock is another implausible idea.
The other feeling I had while reading it was, somewhere, at sometime I'd read the basic story, even the struggles held few surprises and the ending was a foregone conclusion. But then with all of Bailey's conservative work habits; that she neglected to make a will herself seems rather absurd.
An easy book to put down.
Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

Knowing his two adult children well, multi-millionaire Jim Wingate wed his personal assistant, Bailey, as sort of a business arrangement. The day after the marriage, Jim drew up his will. The will made sure that Bailey would give Seth and Tamzin this allotted funds once a month. This way Seth and Tamzin's inheritances were safe and growing under Bailey's directorship. Had Jim not made his will this way (with no loop holes), his two children would have gone through their fortunes in record time.

Tired of recently dealing with Seth's open hostility and Tamzin's passive-aggressiveness, Bailey needs two weeks away. Bailey often uses J&L Executive Air Limo and this time is no exception. Normally Bret Larson flew Bailey anywhere she wanted to go, but he is sick. Therefore, his friend and business partner, Cameron "Cam" Justice, flies Bailey to Denver. But something goes wrong while they are in the air and the plane crashes, leaving the pair marooned in horrible snowy weather. Cam may be a former military officer and pilot, but with his head wound it is hard to think. When Bailey takes care of him, Cam realizes she is not what he had always assumed.

Now the two must team up simply to survive until they are rescued. But once they are picked up and taken home, how long before whoever sabotaged the plane tries to finish the job?

**** These two main characters are guilty of typical stereotyping; something every one does every now and then. This story shows readers that you often cannot tell about a person simply by how they appear. All-in-all, an excellent tale of romance, trust, and suspense. Recommended! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This is an excellent book. Very interesting and informative. The characters had issues, but they were used to explain certain actions and not belabored. The situation was extreme but not so much that it was totally unbelievable. Sometimes books go on too long and sometimes they just hurry up and finish. This was just the right length to completely tell the story.

Sometimes a reviewer points out that a book follows a formula, and that could be a good thing or a bad thing. This book, unfortunately, follows at least two formulas -- and it's quite a bad thing.

The romance: young Bailey is the widow of a wealthy older man who left her in charge of his adult son's and daughter's trust funds. They hate her, she's walled off her emotions, enter handsome sexy pilot, Cam ...

The survival thriller: Cam pilots the charter flight taking Bailey on vacation, and they crash in the remote mountains of Idaho. He's injured and she saves his life. They realize that the crash was caused by outside interference. Will their resourcefulness and stamina overcome the rigors of weather and altitude and enable them to survive?

Oh wait, segue to Formula Romance: sharing body warmth under a pile of clothing in a makeshift shelter, him concussed and her infected from a puncture wound ... sparks fly.

Neither theme is developed convincingly. The hot relationship between Bailey and Cam feels circumstantial; the Uber-Girl-Scout performance of Bailey is never explained; and by the time we find out what REALLY happened to the plane, we don't care and it seems as if the author doesn't either.

With much more attention to character development and the other elements that make a book worth reading, this COULD have been a decent book. An opportunity missed.

Howard shows us survival at its best. Widow Bailey Wingate, in control of her step-children's inherited fortune finds herself on death's door step when the small chartered airplane she is in crashes on a remote mountain top. She and the handsome pilot, Cam Justice, unit to do whatever it takes to survive the elements.
While reading this book, the reader may find themselves grabbing a blanket and candy bar as Howard draws you into the rough terrain and snowy environment of a mountain above timberline. A good read.

This is my second Linda Howard book. They are ok. One thing that really irks me is her use of the word "snort". In both books. I expect I'll see it more if I continue reading her work. What's with this? I think of pigs snorting not women. I can honestly say I have never heard any man or woman snort. Just venting here.

I have to say something after reading all these negative reviews. I feel that this book is not as bad as it was made out to be. Sure it is not in the usual "mold" of LH, but that makes it less boring. As a romantic suspense, the ending is almost pre-determined, but I actually like all the details that a lot of the reviewers detested. I think the details make the book more believable and "flesh it out" more, instead of the usual "beauty meets hunk and love at first sight" kind of nonsense. I do agree that the motive part is a bit weak and that the ending is a bit rushed. If you are looking for just an entertaining book, by no means a classic, this book is good. I give it 3.5 stars.

Bailey Wingate married her older husband at his request to manage his adult children's trust fund and dole out their "allowances." She was Mr. Wingate's personal assistant for some time before their marriage and handled many investments. Her stepchildren in particular Seth who is older than Bailey resent her very much. Just before she heads to Denver to go rafting with her brother Logan and his wife Peaches, she has an argument with Seth and threatens to cut his allowance so Seth threatens to kill her. His sister Tamzin is even worse!!

Bret Larson and Cam Justice own J&L Executive Air Limo and one of their biggest clients in the Wingate Corporation. They frequently fly the family around. Bret usually flies the young widow, Bailey Wingate, but he has come down with a severe allergic reaction to something and thus Cam steps in to take her to Denver. Due to a longer range plane being in for repairs, Cam decides to take a smaller Cessna Skylane and make a fuel stop in Salt Lake City. Cam is a very careful pilot and goes over his pre-flight checklist in detail. However while they are over some mountains in Idaho the engines quit and it is all Cam can do to safely (?) crash land them.

How they survive, how Bailey is able to show courage, fortitude and wonderful survival skills and how they try to figure out what made the plane crash makes for some good reading. However, more interesting were the subplots of Seth, Bailey's brother and his wife, Bret (Cam's partner) and Karen their secretary/office manager!!

Great twists and some unexpected surprises!!

Good read but not the best.

This is another in the string of bad Howard books. The characters are unconvincing and therefore uninteresting. The central romance is simply unbelievable - desperate passion between two stranded, injured, hungry, freezing people who dislike each other? In less than two days? I don't think so.

The heroine's sudden shift from pampered heiress to rugged mountain woman is explained by her having seen a Discovery Channel program on survival. I think that Howard saw the program and dropped it almost verbatim into the first two thirds of the book, and then slapped together an quickie wrap up at the end. There is no emotional depth, no character development and therefore no sense of attachment by the reader.

The best thing about this book was that I read the library's copy, so they wasted money on it instead of me.

When I bought Up Close and Dangerous there were mixed reviews, but since I have enjoyed a number of Linda Howard's earlier novels, and I'm a big fan of Ms. Howard I purchased this book. Overall, I thought that this book was very entertaining. It may not be one of her best works and her creative mind just didn't thrill me as much as other books, still the story kept my interest, plus it was very educational. Cam is the pilot of a small plane and his passenger is Bailey. The planes crashes and now these two must learn survival skills if they are to get off the mountain alive. Romance blossoms between these characters. The story was a little slow toward the ending, but I read it over a three day period and I was thrilled with the book.

I agree with some of the reviewers here. This does not seem Like it was written by Linda Howard. I've read some of her other works and this was just not in the same league. This book was totally disappointing from start to finish. Bailey marries and old fart so she can manage money for his children from his previous marriage? WHY would any one marry someone for that reason?

The main plot--Bailey who is now a widow charters a private jet to meet her brother Logan and his wife P-E-A-C-H-E-S (give me a break with the name) for a white water rafting trip.

Bailey hates the pilot, Cameron Justice (ridiculous name)she has traveled with J&L airlines since she worked for and married her rich old husband(who is now deceased)so she knows the pilot. PPlane crashes in the mountains. Pilot is severely injured with horrible concussion and almost bleeds to death. Bailey stiches his head up and he gets a hard-on--give me a break. Do people usually get horney when they're struggling in a life or death survuval situation? Ugh!!!

Horrible dialogue, horrible writing. Horrible plot, far-fetched senario for a villian. Don't waste your time. I'm being generous with 2 stars.

She's a strong minded widow involved in watching her late husband's business dealings and cursed with the bad behavior of his 2 adult children. They are extremely hateful towards her, yet she still controls the purse strings. Consequently, her attitude has become purposeful and determined to some around her. When she flies on the private airflight company she regularly uses she's usually flown by just one of the partners of the company. The other partner can hardly abide her!
This flight, however, is pilotted by the partner because the usual pilot is ill. Part way through the flight over the mountains of Idaho the engine starts to sputter and the pilot fusses with various levers and the plane levels out. Just a few minutes later there is more engine sputtering and the pilot gives a MayDay over the microphone. Ultimately, the plane soars down and across some pines and crashes.
From this point on it's a survival for the widow and the unconscious pilot. Do they get rescued? Are they able to contrive various means of caring for themselves?
Was this a great story, ask my husband. He heard me talking about it to someone and decided to steal the book and read it. He didn't get much yard work done that weekend, but when he finished the book and slammed the cover closed he said, "Wow, I didn't think you women were reading such great books."

In a business arrangement, Bailey married her wealthy boss Jim Wingate when he discovers he has a short time to live and wants to ensure his children Seth and Tamzin don't blow their trust funds. When Jim dies, Bailey soon becomes a pariah in the community and a thorn in the Wingate children's spending habits. After yet another fight with stepson Seth, Bailey is looking forward to a vacation in Colorado with her brother.

Pilot Cam Justice gets called into work at the last minute to fly the widow (this treat is usually left to his partner Bret). Like everyone else, Cam thinks Bailey is a black widow, and one that packs far too much for a weekend. Bailey finds Cam attractive, but isn't willing to let him know. Their cordial and icy flight soon has taken a turn for the worst, as the plane stalls over the snow-covered Idaho mountains. Cam did his best to crash land safely, but is unconscious and it's up to Bailey to pull him to safety and tend his wounds, while also foraging for shelter from the elements. At some point over their four days on the mountain, their feelings toward each other change. When Cam discovers that their plane was tampered with and no rescue team will be dispatched, he's fuming, and the two trek down the mountain to find safety. Will they be able to get back to civilization and track down the person who tried to kill them?

Howard's latest suffers from the same ailment as her last couple novels - lack of chemistry and build up in the relationship of the romantic duo. The majority of the book is spent in great (and some might think painful) detail about the survivalist steps the two took to endure their isolation. The romance is lukewarm and had no fizzle or build up. One minute there was no interest and the next, he's a caveman marking his woman. As for the culprit behind the crash, anyone can see that coming a mile away, since there are so few characters and the obvious one was too... obvious.

Branded as a gold-digging tramp, Bailey Wingate is used to being ostracized by people that don't even know her. Cam Justice is no exception. It was bad luck that put Cam in the pilot's seat of the plane that would take her to Denver. So excited to get away on vacation, even Cam can't dampen Bailey's mood.

Cam Justice prefers not to have contact with Bailey Wingate. Pegging her as an Ice Queen, Cam has turned all of Bailey's flights over to his partner, Bret. Only Bret being violently ill could ever make Cam fly Bailey anywhere. That's exactly what happens and Cam finds himself enclosed in a small jet with the Ice Queen herself.

When their plane goes down, Cam realizes that his very survival depends on the woman he despises. Cam soon comes to see that there is more to Bailey Wingate that meets the eye. When they both find that the plane was deliberately brought down, Bailey knows exactly who wants her dead. Both her and Cam are determined to get back to Seattle to prove it.

Up Close and Dangerous is not Linda Howard at her best. While this was an entertaining book, it wasn't what I've come to expect from a Howard novel. I enjoyed the story of Cam and Bailey and how they had to set aside personal feelings so they could stay alive. Howard did a really good job of showing how fast things can change when your survival depends on another person.

I agree with some of the reviewers here. This does not seem like it was written by Linda Howard. I've read some of her other works and this was just not in the same league. This book was totally disappointing from start to finish. Bailey marries and old fart so she can manage money for his children from his previous marriage--she's not a gold digger herself? WHY would she marry someone for that reason?

The main plot--Bailey who is now a widow charters a private jet to meet her brother Logan and his wife P-E-A-C-H-E-S (give me a break with the name) for a white water rafting trip.

Bailey hates the pilot, Cameron Justice (ridiculous name)she has traveled with J&L airlines since she has worked for and married her rich old husband(who is now deceased)so she knows the pilot. The plane crashes in the mountains. Cameron, the pilot, is severely injured with a horrible concussion and almost bleeds to death. Bailey stiches his head up and he gets a hard-on--give me a break. Do people usually get horney when they're struggling in a life or death survival situation? Ugh!!! The romance , if you could call it that is so far-fetched. Both the heroine and hero hated each other. Howard makes it seem like they fall for each other as soon as the plane crashed--too contrived for me.

Horrible dialogue, horrible writing. Horrible plot, far-fetched senario for a villian. Don't waste your time. I'm being generous with 2 stars.

She's a strong minded widow involved in watching her late husband's business dealings and cursed with the bad behavior of his 2 adult children. They are extremely hateful towards her, yet she still controls the purse strings. Consequently, her attitude has become purposeful and determined to some around her. When she flies on the private airflight company she regularly uses she's usually flown by just one of the partners of the company. The other partner can hardly abide her!
This flight, however, is pilotted by the partner because the usual pilot is ill. Part way through the flight over the mountains of Idaho the engine starts to sputter and the pilot fusses with various levers and the plane levels out. Just a few minutes later there is more engine sputtering and the pilot gives a MayDay over the microphone. Ultimately, the plane soars down and across some pines and crashes.
From this point on it's a survival for the widow and the unconscious pilot. Do they get rescued? Are they able to contrive various means of caring for themselves?
Was this a great story, ask my husband. He heard me talking about it to someone and decided to steal the book and read it. He didn't get much yard work done that weekend, but when he finished the book and slammed the cover closed he said, "Wow, I didn't think you women were reading such great books."

I agree with some of the reviewers here. This does not seem like it was written by Linda Howard. I've read some of her other works and this was just not in the same league. This book was totally disappointing from start to finish. Bailey marries and old fart so she can manage money for his children from his previous marriage--she's not a gold digger herself? WHY would she marry someone for that reason?

The main plot--Bailey who is now a widow charters a private jet to meet her brother Logan and his wife P-E-A-C-H-E-S (give me a break with the name) for a white water rafting trip.

Bailey hates the pilot, Cameron Justice (ridiculous name)she has traveled with J&L airlines since she has worked for and married her rich old husband(who is now deceased)so she knows the pilot. The plane crashes in the mountains. Cameron, the pilot, is severely injured with a horrible concussion and almost bleeds to death. Bailey stiches his head up and he gets a hard-on--give me a break. Do people usually get horney when they're struggling in a life or death survival situation? Ugh!!! The romance , if you could call it that is so far-fetched. Both the heroine and hero hated each other. Howard makes it seem like they fall for each other as soon as the plane crashed--too contrived for me.

Horrible dialogue, horrible writing. Horrible plot, far-fetched senario for a villian. Don't waste your time. I'm being generous with 2 stars.

In a business arrangement, Bailey married her wealthy boss Jim Wingate when he discovers he has a short time to live and wants to ensure his children Seth and Tamzin don't blow their trust funds. When Jim dies, Bailey soon becomes a pariah in the community and a thorn in the Wingate children's spending habits. After yet another fight with stepson Seth, Bailey is looking forward to a vacation in Colorado with her brother.

Pilot Cam Justice gets called into work at the last minute to fly the widow (this treat is usually left to his partner Bret). Like everyone else, Cam thinks Bailey is a black widow, and one that packs far too much for a weekend. Bailey finds Cam attractive, but isn't willing to let him know. Their cordial and icy flight soon has taken a turn for the worst, as the plane stalls over the snow-covered Idaho mountains. Cam did his best to crash land safely, but is unconscious and it's up to Bailey to pull him to safety and tend his wounds, while also foraging for shelter from the elements. At some point over their four days on the mountain, their feelings toward each other change. When Cam discovers that their plane was tampered with and no rescue team will be dispatched, he's fuming, and the two trek down the mountain to find safety. Will they be able to get back to civilization and track down the person who tried to kill them?

Howard's latest suffers from the same ailment as her last couple novels - lack of chemistry and build up in the relationship of the romantic duo. The majority of the book is spent in great (and some might think painful) detail about the survivalist steps the two took to endure their isolation. The romance is lukewarm and had no fizzle or build up. One minute there was no interest and the next, he's a caveman marking his woman. As for the culprit behind the crash, anyone can see that coming a mile away, since there are so few characters and the obvious one was too... obvious.

Branded as a gold-digging tramp, Bailey Wingate is used to being ostracized by people that don't even know her. Cam Justice is no exception. It was bad luck that put Cam in the pilot's seat of the plane that would take her to Denver. So excited to get away on vacation, even Cam can't dampen Bailey's mood.

Cam Justice prefers not to have contact with Bailey Wingate. Pegging her as an Ice Queen, Cam has turned all of Bailey's flights over to his partner, Bret. Only Bret being violently ill could ever make Cam fly Bailey anywhere. That's exactly what happens and Cam finds himself enclosed in a small jet with the Ice Queen herself.

When their plane goes down, Cam realizes that his very survival depends on the woman he despises. Cam soon comes to see that there is more to Bailey Wingate that meets the eye. When they both find that the plane was deliberately brought down, Bailey knows exactly who wants her dead. Both her and Cam are determined to get back to Seattle to prove it.

Up Close and Dangerous is not Linda Howard at her best. While this was an entertaining book, it wasn't what I've come to expect from a Howard novel. I enjoyed the story of Cam and Bailey and how they had to set aside personal feelings so they could stay alive. Howard did a really good job of showing how fast things can change when your survival depends on another person.

Although by itself this book was marginally entertaining as I am often a fan of the plot line where the hero and heroine who otherwise hate/dislike each other are for some reason forced into each other's company (in this case by a plane crash) and are forced to actually get to know one another and end up falling in love. However, compared to other Linda Howard books this falls very short - it doesn't have any of the fun or the suspense or the same chemistry between the h/h. Wouldn't say it was awful, but was nowhere among her best.

I was dissapointed with this book. It was just okay. I did feel like it was a survival guide to surviving a plane crash in the wilderness as she spent way too much time with the details. I liked the humor between the two lead characters once it got into the main love story (which is almost near the very end). LH usually gives romance throughout the entire book, this one definitely did not. The plot twist was a good one, but the end was just odd as she usually sums things up in the end with more detail of the couple's future.

Ok, I like most reviewers "Love" Linda Howard and look forward to her books mainly because the female characters are so strong. While this book, had a really good premise it did not live up to its potential, I not sure what happen. I agree with another reviewer way too much detail on the survival skills and not enough on the lead characters. The ending was just not worthy of Linda Howard. This book had so many really good subplots but all of them had a frayed ending and just weren't developed. What is up with that???? Did she change editors or something...... This is the only Linda Howard book I will not be adding to my collection and I glad I checked it out from the library instead of buying it. I really would have been pissed then. I would much rather see Linda on the next book take her time and see the story and not just the research which was overkill in this book.

Ms. Howard got way too technical on the survival process. She always has had that tendancy, but manages for the most part to reign herself in. Not so in this book. She should have taken some of the pages spent detailing "survial from a plane crash tactics" to develop the characters more. Why the hades was the stepbrother so bitter? What made the stepsister so demented? More character/relationship development for main romantic characters! Sex scenes were clinical and seem to be inserted in order to satisfy some quota, not as a plot/relationship development tool. Also, it seemed that Ms Howard got to a certain point in the book, got tired of the whole thing, and decided to wrap everything up very quickly. The rescue was way too easy, the unveiling of the villian too pat, and there was no real glimpse as to how the main characters made the transition back to reality. Hope the publishers let Ms Howard recharge her batteries and get back to her usual form.

I love Linda Howard....
Surely this was written by an assistant, not the author herself!
Howard's books are usually very witty with very engaging characters, wonderful love scenes, and intriguing, suspenseful plots.
This was a total disappointment for any reader who has admired and enjoyed Linda Howard's previous work like 'Dream Man', 'Drop Dead Gorgeous', 'To Die For', 'After the Night', 'Raintree Inferno', and even the earliest of her romances for Loveswept.

The prolific romantic suspense writer Linda Howard has a great survival story in Up Close and Dangerous, her 21st book.

Widow Bailey Wingate had been married only a short time when her wealthy husband died, leaving her to manage her nasty and resentful adult stepchildren's trust funds. Bailey had been his personal assistant, and agreed to this marriage of convenience for the salary and stability. Everyone thinks she is an aloof gold digger, but actually she is lonely and insecure, afraid of getting too close to people. The only family she is close to, among her numerous stepsiblings, is one brother and his wife, and she is looking forward to flying to Denver to meet them for some white water rafting.

Bailey packs everything she thinks they might conceivably need during their trip into huge suitcases, and takes off on one of the hired Wingate corporate planes with pilot Cameron Justice. Over the Idaho mountains the plane falters and the engines quit; but Cam is able to bring them down in some trees, which cushion their crash.

Bailey works out and her strength saves the unconscious and bloody Cam. She drags him from the plane, raids her luggage for supplies, and sews up a gash in his forehead. She is able to build a small shelter with pine branches, leather and foam cut from the airplane seats. All this closeness--they need to lie close together to share warmth as they recover from their injuries--breeds appreciation and attraction.

Cam is surprised at Bailey's level headedness, intelligence and emotional strength; and Bailey is surprised at Cam's ability and caring. Cam decides he is attracted to her, he may even be in love, and he knows he has only a short time before they either die or are rescued. Can he break down her reserve and her fear of attachment?

Also, Cam is aware that his plane was sabotaged, but who was responsible? Did anyone hear the distress call?

This survival tale is stirring and the romance is hot in the icy snow of the magnificent but dangerous mountains.

Armchair Interviews says: Sizzling romance in unique setting.

My first book by Linda Howard. I enjoyed this book very much. Thought Cam and Bailey had great chemistry. Liked the survival aspect of the storyline and how much Cam and Bailey needed to depend on each other. Felt the story had credibility. I could not put the book down. The ending was a bit rushed. Felt the who done it and ending was wrapped up too quickly. Would definitely read another book from this author.

This was a nice novel but unfortunately it just wasn't great. It starts off with Bailey Wingate a woman openly despised by her stepchildren and those who think she married their the late Mr. Wingate just for his money. And the rest who treat her like a trophy wife. Add to the story is Cam a pilot who in his mind has unfortunate job of taking Ms.Wingate to her destination. Who he thinks is nothing but an uptight trophy wife. That is until their plane crash and they must depend on one another for survival. This novel spent too much on the technical aspect of the plane crash and survival and not enough building chemistry between the two. The most exciting thing was finding out who cause the sabotage.

Linda Howard's novel "Up Close & Dangerous" was one of her greatest stories. She told you a story of how hate and/or dislike turns to love and romace. In the story the main character Bailey is going on a vacation and her plan crashes. The emotions that follow is a show of how strong anyone can by when pushed into a serious survior mode. While reading it, i was able to feel the dislike, the cold mountain air, the need to survive, the attraction, the heat and the anger that follows it all. She did a great job in showing all of these emotions while telling a great story!

Up close and Dangerous earns two stars for making it into print. Perhaps it is time for Linda Howard to finally hangup her laptop. Or find a publisher with higher standards. After reading Raintree: Inferno,Cover of Night and Drop Dead Gorgeous, it is obvious that Ms. Howard is now coasting on past successes. Up Close and Dangerous lacks plot, tension, romance, sizzle, thrills and suspense. All the necessary components of a great romantic suspense. This is the fourth book in a row that felt more formulated than anything else. The characters are interchangeable,the romances tepid and the stories tedious. A lot to forgive when you are paying for a hardcover from an author who is supposed to be on your, "must buy" list.

It's always sad to see a good writer lose their zest for the work. It's particularly distressing when a writer of Ms. Howards' caliber has to be relegated to the, "wait for the paper back and then browse it very carefully" category. Maybe she'll take a break from cranking them out so frequently and instead take her time and give us back the style, heat and sizzle we previously enjoyed from her.

Linda did her homework. I am a pilot, and recognized that fact. Her characters were well thought-out, even to the guilty person who caused the crash. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a great, well-written book!

Bailey Wingate appears to be a stone-cold Trophy Wife, but everything is not as it seems. Cam "Captain Sourpuss" Justice is the pilot flying Bailey to Denver. He comes across as humorless and emotionless, but again, appearances can be deceiving. While enroute to Denver, their plane crashes and they must drop their defenses to band together to survive. Once those walls come down, danger of another variety emerges ... danger of the heart.

What I liked about this book:
Cam and Bailey. Their personalities and their sense of humor had me chuckling several times. The developing relationship between them felt natural because they were so suited for each other.

One of the secondary characters really grabbed me, Karen the office assistant. I absolutely loved her. She was gruff, no-nonsense, and had the best deadpan humor. I could just picture her bossing around her "bosses" and them doing everything in their power to not get on her bad side.

What I didn't like about this book:
I would have liked to have gotten to know Seth, Tamzin, and Bret better.

The ending felt anti-climatic to me. Without giving away any secrets, I would have expected more fireworks after Cam and Bailey got back to civilization. It almost felt like I was missing a couple chapters at the end.

While this was not Linda Howard's best book, those in my opinion would be "Mr. Perfect, Cry No More, Open Season; it was definitely not her worst. And let's face it, even a bad Linda Howard is far better than much of what is being passed off as "romance" these days.

Ms. Howard spends way too much time explaining in painful detail how to build shelters (pages!), cut airplane seats and strip wires. Somehow, this activity leads us to believe these two people have fallen in love. Bailey is just annoying with her inability to communicate in any kind of emotionally healthy way. The romance aspect seems forced and not reasonable for the situation. Pass up this book unless you have nothing better to do with your time.

I bought the paperback used. Glad I did. Even that was way too much to pay for what seems like a instraction manual for when you crash in the mountains. The ending? The book just ended! Nope, glad I waited and didn't buy the hardcover.... I used to wait with anticipation for her books. No longer...

I usually love Linda Howard but I was disappointed with her last two books "cover of night" and this one. I felt like I was reading a survival guide and just couldnt' get into it. I enjoyed the first few chapters but lost it after that and skipped to the end where I was again dispointed how abrupt it ended....just didn't keep my interest. I will keep reading her old stuff and hope the next one is better.

Totally unbelievable story. McGyver couldn't have done what this woman did while fighting altitude sickness and a fever caused by an infection. One day the two main characters are barely alive after a plane crash and the next day they're pulling a battery out of the airplane to start a fire! Give me a break.

Up Close and Dangerous is a wonderful read! Howard succeeds with a cleverly crafted plot and a carefully researched realization of place. Her characters have their own style, problems and secrets that I whizzed through this book as if the pages had caught on fire! Yes, I agree with another reviewer that the ending was TOO SHORT. I guess that is how a good book should end; letting your imagination ponder how the next year of the character's lives progress. I loved it!

Bailey Wingate was left in charge of her stepchildren's funds when her husband died of cancer. She dreads the day each month she give them their stipend because Seth and Tamzin hate that she lives in their family house while they do not, and she is younger than them. Bailey is looking forward to her vacation, but unknown to her Seth called J&L Executive Air Limo to confirm when she is flying with them.

When Bret comes in sick, Cam refuses to let her pilot Bailey so he takes the charter even though he doesn't like his passenger believing she was a trophy wife. When their plane crashes, both are injured but Bailey who is in better condition saves Cam's life. They realize they are falling in love with one another but first they have to get to civilization because it doesn't look like they are being rescued. Then they need to find proof that the plane was sabotaged as they both believe.

Linda Howard is one of the best romantic suspense authors writing today. The changing relationship between the protagonists is fascinating as they struggle for dominance in their self-rescue. Filled with non-stop action that enhances the lead couples' shifting attitudes towards one another, readers will like both characters and despise the parasitic siblings who hate "begging" for what they consider their money.

Harriet Klausner

As an adventure/survival story, Cam and Bailey's efforts to get off the mountain after a plane crash is a thrilling tale. As a romance, it was quite unbelievable: there was no history between them that would spark a romance in 4 to 5 days while being cold, hungry, lost and injured. As far as the question of who sabotaged the plane, there weren't enough people in the book to make it much of a mystery. As a hardback, it was overpriced for the read. Wait for the paperback.

I purchased and read each and everyone of Linda Howard's books for the past seven years. I could not stop laughing when I read "Mr. Perfect", I loved "Duncun's Bride", "Dream Man" and adored all the books Ms. Howard wrote about the Mackenzie family and many others more. Then came "Kiss me while I sleep" and "Cover of the night" and saying I was disappointed after reading these two books will be putting it mildly.Anyhow, I kept looking for Ms. Howard's books and she restored my faith in her in "To die for" and Drop Dead Gorgeous". Linda Howard in these two books was the one I knew and liked. However, after purchasing and reading "Up Close and Dangerous" (in hardcopy, mind you), I decided I will not anticipate and look forward to her new books unless the reviews will convince me otherwise.

There is very little romance, mystery or suspense in Linda Howard's new book:

ROMANCE: It didn't bother me that Cam and Bailey fell in love so fast. They were together constantly in difficult circumstances. But what bothered me a bit was that they had apparently no attraction until after the plane crash. I would have preferred to see some evidence that they were at least attracted to each other first. Also, I wasn't really sure what Bailey's problem with Cam originally was, and why she changed her opinion of him, so that bothered me too.

MYSTERY: The "official" blurb would have you believe Cam and Bailey are rescued and then still in danger, so I was extremely disappointed that this was not the case. They aren't even rescued until almost the end of the book, so that the end felt really rushed and unsatisfying.

This is a climactic, page turning read. Loved the development of a relationship thrown together out of horrendous circumstances..This story could have gone on another 100 pages..Linda Howard is my kind of author.Her books are well researched and every word contributes to the STORY!!

I liked the book. I loved the Heroine and Hero. She was creative in a dire situation and he had a sense of humor. The books focus was really on the survival of the protagonists, the romance coming in second and the who did it element last. I think if the book had been a little longer more time could have been devoted to establishing romantic tension between the characters and fleshing out secondary characters for more depth. That said, it still was an enjoyable read, the plot was uncomplicated, the main characters likeable. I would love to hear the more about the assistant, she was a great secondary character. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for an adventure/survival story with some romantic elements. If that is what your looking for this book is for you.

This book kept me interested from page 1. I liked both lead characters. I had no idea who the killer was going to actually turn out to be. I liked their relationship developments. Some of the details were a little boring, but all in all, I really liked this book.

This was recommended to me, something I would not usually read. It's a fast read and an interesting though not difficult plot. Good strong female character, smart and resourceful. Worth the time to read, would be good as a beach read.