Up Close and Dangerous

Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard
Why I read this: I felt like a contemporary read, and it was the first one that caught my eye when I delved into my TBR pile.

A mysterious plane crash . . . a dangerous trek through the Idaho wilderness . . . a smoldering attraction . . . and a deadly game of cat and mouse. In her latest tour de force of romantic suspense, New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard blends these elements into a gripping story that will keep readers breathless–and leave them begging for more. For in Linda Howard’s world, trust can be a weapon, a kiss can be a threat, and intimacy can be deadly.

Bailey Wingate’s scheming adult stepchildren are surprised when their father’s will leaves Bailey in control of their fortune, and war ensues. A year later, while flying from Seattle to Denver in a small plane, Bailey nearly dies herself when the engine sputters–and then fails.

Cam Justice, her sexy Texan pilot, manages to crash-land the aircraft. Stranded in the wilderness, and struggling to douse her feelings for the ruggedly handsome man by her side, Bailey begins to wonder whether this was a mere accident. Who tampered with their plane? Who’s trying to reunite Bailey and her husband in the afterlife? Cut off from the world, and with little hope of rescue, Bailey must trust her life–and heart–to Cam, as they battle the harsh elements to find a way out of the unforgiving wilds and back to civilization . . . where a killer may be waiting to finish the job.

I've now read three Linda Howard books. Cry No More, Mr. Perfect, and now, Up Close and Dangerous. I have enjoyed all of them!

I read this book in one day. It caught my attention at once and didn't let go. I was flipping pages so fast that I got a paper cut-I'm not even joking. I still have the band-aid on my finger to prove it.

What I liked about Up Close and Dangerous is that it was exciting from the get go. A plane crash, injuries and trying to survive. Wow. It was interesting to read all the detail that went into making shelters, gathering food, melting water, etc. That stuff intrigued me and there wasn't a single thing about their survival that left me asking questions about how they did this or that.

The villain of the story, the one that caused the plane to crash, was a surprise to me. I wasn't expecting the book to take that turn, so kudos to the author for keeping me on my toes.

My only complaint was the end. It felt too sudden and incomplete. I was left saying that's it?

I'll give Up Close and Dangerous a B. It was good, but not great. The ending was lacking, and I felt like there could have been more with the romance part of the story.
Other than that it was awesome. I'm happy to read another Linda Howard book ASAP.