White Lies
4 Stars

Series note: This is the final book in Howard's Rescues series focusing on a group of covert operatives. That said, there is no ongoing story arc, and the books can all be read as standalones (book #3 is actually only loosely related).

Unlike the first three installments, which are solid romantic suspense, this one is more contemporary romance with the action taking place off-page. That said, the format works in this case as the romance is the focus, and the connection between the hero and heroine is intense both emotionally and physically from the moment they come in contact.

While the basic premise requires some suspension of disbelief, Jay easily puts aside her reservations regarding the injured man's identity and accepts that he is her ex, and the hero too readily accepts the name given to him even though it is obviously incompatible with his skill set, it is, nonetheless, entertaining and the amnesia trope works well.

Both the hero and heroine are likable characters, and Howard manages to just squeak by with the annoying keeping secrets trope as the heroine's reasoning is quite plausible given the circumstances.

Overall, this has been a very enjoyable series and I will continue with my read of Howard's backlist. ( )

I enjoyed this book. While I'm calling it romantic suspense, that part of the story was totally in the background. It was the reason the two were together and why they were hiding out in a cabin in Colorado but the real story was the relationship between the critcally injured/amnesiac man and the woman who believes she is his exwife. The development of the relationship was very sweet and very well done. The conflict between them at the end was a little contrived but the strength of the rest of the story totally overcame that slight quibble. ( )

Written in 1988. My library has recently got about 10 early Linda Howard novels now available on audiobook. The reader is perfection. Lesa Lockford. It's not the usual Linda Howard in that there is not a lot of suspense or adventure - at least not yet and I am 5/7ths the way through on the audiobook. Still, Linda Howard's writing style is such that you are pulled along even when there isn't a lot of action. Would love to have some suggestions of novelists equal to Howard. ( )

Really enjoyed this one.
Most of Linda Howard's thrillers are unputdownable and this was more of the same.
Add to that an amnesia storyline. Loved it ( )

I just love it when a book pulls me in to the point I completely forget about time! I absorbed this one in a single setting. There was something special about the connection between Lucas and Jay that drew me in. Linda Howard excels at making her couples emotionally rich and this one gets it right! I loved Jay's strength and her commitment, even though she was facing a lot of her own issues during Steve's rehabilitation. By being there for him when he needed her, I believe it enhanced their relationship tremendously, increasing the intimacy and suspense during the last half of the book. Very enjoyable! ( )