Sammy’s review of Troublemaker by Linda Howard
Contemporary Romantic Suspense published by William Morrow 10 May 16
I am a big Linda Howard reader. Granted, it’s been a few years since I read one, doesn’t mean I don’t buy them and add them to my TBR pile and wait on that rainy day. Reading one of her books is like coming home for me. Even a mediocre book is better than most books out there. I was not disappointed with her latest installment.
Morgan Yancy works for a shadowy organization for our wonderful country. He’s stateside after a brutal mission. All he wants to do is sleep for a few days, OD on coffee, and go fishing on his boat that’s been docked for the last five months. As he is making his way on the river, he spots congresswoman Joan Kingsley, a twelve-term member of the House of Representatives and a leading member of the House Armed Services Committee. Morgan’s GO-Team had rescued her son from kidnappers, and the Kingsleys are very thankful for everything his team did for their family. He said a quick hello and went on his way. Morgan makes a pit stop at the grocery store after his time on the river to pick up some much-needed staples for his pantry. As he pulls into his condo complex and parks, he feels like someone is watching him. Before he can put down his grocery bags and grab his gun. he’s shot in the chest.
Recovery is a bit touch and go for Morgan. He flatlined twice. He caught pneumonia and he’s in pretty bad shape.He’s in a private hospital getting better, while the head of his unit, Axel, is trying to figure out who is trying to kill him. Axel feels Morgan’s been in one place too long and wants to move him to his ex -stepsister’s house. Axel is a sonofabitch, but a sonofabitch who’s determined to keep Morgan safe and break his stepsister’s chops in one fell swoop.
Isabeau Maran, also known as Bo, is the Chief of Police in a small town in West Virginia. She likes her little life she’s carved out for her and Tricks (her golden retriever). She has enough bills to keep her up at night working a side job. She’s determined and over the years she’s built many walls around her. I guess she has some mommy issues, just not enough to make her angsty. Bo and Tricks share a deep bond together and she’s very happy living in her home she built for someone else, because the client backed out at the last minute. The town adores Bo and Tricks, and she’s made great friends. What Bo doesn’t realize is her punk ex-stepbrother is sending a 230-lb. surprise to her home. There will be some negotiations and a nice payoff.
Morgan shows up at Bo’s door. Bo wants nothing to do with Axel or whatever he thinks he’s dropping off on her doorstep. After some negotiations with her ex-stepbrother, she takes Morgan into her home to help him recover. I should tell you that Tricks is a big part of the book. If dogs bother you, then I would say tread lightly. I don’t think she was annoying, I have my own Black Labs and those parts gave me some good laughs because I could relate.
Throughout the process of Bo taking care of Morgan, they kind of form a bond. Morgan starts being honest with her about what’s happening, wanting to keep her and her small town safe. Through these talks they start falling for each other. There is a nice simmer until Morgan runs out of patience. Sizzling kisses and some hot sex ensue. It’s nice to watch them fall in love. Two people who really deserved each other.
This book started off with a bang and never let up. There are bad guys, diva dogs, great community, terrific characters, and a story that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. When I closed the book, I had that happy reader high.
Grade: B+
Summary:
A thrilling, fast-paced novel of romantic suspense from sensational New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Linda Howard.
For Morgan Yancy, an operative and team leader in a paramilitary group, nothing comes before his job. But when he’s ambushed and almost killed, his supervisor is determined to find out who’s after the members of his elite squad—and why. Due to worries that this unknown enemy will strike again, Morgan is sent to a remote location and told to lay low and stay vigilant. But between a tempting housemate he’s determined to protect and a deadly threat waiting in the shadows, keeping under the radar is proving to be his most dangerous mission yet.
The part-time police chief of a small West Virginian mountain town, Isabeau “Bo” Maran finally has her life figured out. She’s got friends, a dog, and a little money in the bank. Then Morgan Yancy shows up on her doorstep. Bo doesn’t need a mysterious man in her life—especially a troublemaker as enticing and secretive as Morgan.
The harder they fight the intense heat between them, the closer Morgan and Bo become, even though she knows he’s hiding from something. But discovering the truth could cost Bo more than she’s willing to give. And when Morgan’s cover is blown, it might just cost her life.
No excerpt available.
