All the Queen's Men

I have to admit, I love the romantic suspense genre, and have read as many books as I can in the subject. Very often, I'll end up trudging through a book that fails to fulfill all that it touts. Not so with Linda Howard's novels. I know that when I pick up a book of hers, I know that it'll have good action as well as some hot romance. I have to admit that sometimes the novels are a bit unbelievable, particularly when it's two characters that have known each other for about a day and then all of a sudden fall into bed and have unbelievable sex. (i.e. Kill and Tell). I still enjoy the books simply because they're interesting. The mystery is good without being too bogged down in the darkness of murder. I loved this book becuase it had that "hard-to-get" man's man who never forgot that one girl who connected with him deeper than anyone had in a long time. It's not often that the ability to lust after a fictional character is possible, but the thought of Medina, who was outrageously sexy, manly, and wanted only Niema was simply irresistable. Ms. Howard fed a lot of the female fantasy of that dream guy that everyone wants, yet he only wants one and no other. I loved the fact that with her, he couldn't keep that infamous control. The only other Howard book that I enjoyed more was After the Night, and that was most likely because Gray and Medina had very similar characteristics. They were both men used to getting their own way, forged by their past experiences, who are drawn irresistably to the women in their lives, who aren't weak at all, but have their own minds and know what to do. All in all, a definite keeper, buy this book, it's worth it!

Okay, who cares about the rest of the book, the sex scene in Rosnard's office is so BURNING HOT that it alone is worth the price of the book. One thing about Linda Howard -- this woman knows how to write scorching sex. I thought AFTER THE NIGHT and SHADES OF TWILIGHT were erotic, but though there's less sex overall in this book, that one scene is the most starkly erotic thing Linda Howard has ever written. I've always enjoyed her books as romances, but this one made me wonder if maybe she has missed her true calling and should be writing erotica.

I have just recently discovered Linda Howard and now find myself on a mad hunt for everything she has written. This is the third novel I have read of hers and would have to say it is probably my favorite so far. There are several reasons for this...the heroine, Niema, is smart, capable and, in no way shape or form, a shrinking violet. That being in mind, she is still a likeable character. The same goes for John Medina. Many romance novels characterize the male antagonist as the stereotypical macho man: cold, sexist, insenstive, and willing to drop his pants at the drop of a hat. Or, when he shows more of his sensitive side, it is just too sweet, bordering on cheesy. This is NOT true of John Medina. Linda Howard has hit the target with this hero--he is just the right mix of sensuality, masculinity, and sensitivity.Additionally, this novel is a very quick and exciting read--a good thing, except that you wish that you could see even more of the chemistry between Niema and john because they are such interesting characters.This one is definitely worth reading over and over again!

This might just be Linda Howard's best work yet. I wanted to reread it as soon as I reached the last page! All the Queen's Men plunges the reader into the world of CIA secret missions. In a refreshing turn, the heroine Niema Burdock is as adventurous as her male agent counterparts. No reluctant heroine proclaiming her inexperience and shying from challenges here. If you like strong, unapologetic - and believable characters - you will love Niema. And Howard outdoes herself creating the hero, John Medina. He is one of the CIA's most legendary agents (was a character in Kill and Tell), yet Howard creates a superb balance of the self-confidence and coolheadedness required of an agent, with the vulnerability that is a logical result of living a solitary and hidden life.Niema and Medina are well-matched in their spy competencies, and in their intense sensuality. The plot is one of the best Howard has created, with in-depth and complex characters. The love scenes are incredibly intense without being cloying. No annoying euphamisms or "falling back to earth" - Howard doesn't need them.This is an amazing, intense, and exciting read. The cool assurance and attitude of taking initiatives that the characters exude (without being superhuman) rubs off on the reader. Reading the book made me want to get out and get started with several projects, sports, and/or other activities. Which created a conflict with my great desire to sit down and start the book over!A quality of a good book is that when you finish it you wish for just a few more pages. This is one of those books.