Running Wild is my first read by Linda Howard/Linda Winstead Jones and unfortunately it did not make a positive first impression. While I may be in the minority, I have to be honest in stating this was a big disappointment after all of the hype of Linda Howard. I now know I should have started with some of her older work that many of my reading friends have enjoyed. The blurb of the book states that this is a “steamy contemporary Western romance” but honestly there was not enough steam to fog a window much less heat up this less than intriguing couple. I had a difficult time engaging or progressing at a normal pace with the story because frankly I was bored. The writing felt very outlined, overly descriptive, repetitive at times and just blasé. The western setting is well established, however, the suspense of the story was totally nonexistent. Both the hero and heroine lacked any individual appeal or charisma and I could not connect or invest in either one. Sadly, their chemistry together was null and void. I found little to no romance within the story. After the first love scene at the 70% mark, I could go no further. It lacked any kind of emotional draw, heat or sensuality. The short scene felt very clinical and was absent any level of passion or connection to draw me further into this couple’s journey. Usually that far into a book I am determined to finish it, but when it begins to feel like a task instead of an enjoyment, it’s time to move on. So, I tip my cowboy hat and move on to greener pastures.
Rating: DNF
Running Wild by Linda Howard, Linda Winstead Jones
November 27th 2012 by Ballantine Books
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About FV Amy
Amy I have to tell you I have read one Linda Lael Miller book and felt exactly the same as you do, maybe it’s the Western type of books that despite the hot cowboys fail to engage us? :-/
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have not read a book by this author, but I am not a big fan of Western romance, so I have not read many.
I have only ever DNF 1 book, that I can remember, and it was because I could not follow it. It was jumping all over the place and I found it too confusing.