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Reckless: An Anthology
Passion mingles with espionage in these two reader-favorite stories
Midnight Rainbow
Grant Sullivan—tough, rugged and handsome—is a retired military expert entrusted with a mission deep in the Costa Rican to find Jane Hamilton Greer, a wealthy socialite who has been taken hostage by rebels. When Grant rescues the self-possessed Jane by literally throwing her over his shoulder, no love is lost between them. But as the rebels pursue them, they’re forced to work together, and soon the jungle begins to smolder in more ways than one…
Tears of the Renegade
Susan has never known anyone like Cord Blackstone, the sexy black sheep of his family. Cord has a score to settle with the Blackstones—the same genteel clan that sheltered Susan after her husband’s death. Cord will stop at nothing to punish the Blackstones, but what if that means ruining the one woman who can’t stop loving him?
Midnight Rainbow
Grant Sullivan—tough, rugged and handsome—is a retired military expert entrusted with a mission deep in the Costa Rican to find Jane Hamilton Greer, a wealthy socialite who has been taken hostage by rebels. When Grant rescues the self-possessed Jane by literally throwing her over his shoulder, no love is lost between them. But as the rebels pursue them, they’re forced to work together, and soon the jungle begins to smolder in more ways than one…
Tears of the Renegade
Susan has never known anyone like Cord Blackstone, the sexy black sheep of his family. Cord has a score to settle with the Blackstones—the same genteel clan that sheltered Susan after her husband’s death. Cord will stop at nothing to punish the Blackstones, but what if that means ruining the one woman who can’t stop loving him?
544 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 29, 2016
137 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Linda Howard
223 books7,180 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 3, 2020
This is Linda Howard at one of the earliest of her career. I own every book this author has ever written, anthologies included. And I've enjoyed every single one, despite the fact that some are dated.
The first book of this series is a Kell Sabin story, which put it into the CIA Spies series of Ms. Howard's. I have no idea who could ever dislike Jane, as totally unpredictable as she was. And Grant Sullivan was a perfect foil for her.
I read Tears of the Renegade so long ago that it doesn't bear thinking about. It was timely and described Susan and Cord perfectly for the time. I believe that people forget that Ms. Howard has been writing for over 30 years and some of her books are dated. If you're going to buy a book that was originally published 30 years ago, you need to loosen your expectations of a modern book. Either that, or just don't buy the book to begin with. Check the first date of publication. For myself, these books were just as enjoyable the second time around.
The first book of this series is a Kell Sabin story, which put it into the CIA Spies series of Ms. Howard's. I have no idea who could ever dislike Jane, as totally unpredictable as she was. And Grant Sullivan was a perfect foil for her.
I read Tears of the Renegade so long ago that it doesn't bear thinking about. It was timely and described Susan and Cord perfectly for the time. I believe that people forget that Ms. Howard has been writing for over 30 years and some of her books are dated. If you're going to buy a book that was originally published 30 years ago, you need to loosen your expectations of a modern book. Either that, or just don't buy the book to begin with. Check the first date of publication. For myself, these books were just as enjoyable the second time around.
September 29, 2017
“Reckless” a blend of sensual romance with a touch of espionage and corporate politics is broken into two stories “Midnight Rainbow” and “Tears of the Renegade”. The first begins when Grant Sullivan a mercenary freelancer is hired to free a wealthy socialite from the clutches of rebels in the Costa Rican jungle. Swept up in missing boyfriend and secret courier George Persall’s scheme to return a dangerously secret microfilm to the United States, Jane Hamilton Greer has been taken to a remote plantation when she’s rescued by Grant Sullivan who believes her nothing more than a self-absorbed, shallow party-goer. When Grant’s escape plan is jeopardized by betrayal, the two begin a journey across the jungle that has them clashing as their chemistry ignites and both discover a passion they never expected.
“Tears of a Renegade” in contrast opens when a party hosted by the President of Blackstone Corporation is crashed by the sexy black sheep of the family Cord Blackstone. A widow having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Susan Blackstone has never met anyone like roguishly handsome Cord who not only is attracted to her on sight, but begins a seduction that has her wanting a man who’s dangerous to her new family. Scheming to topple the firm in revenge for offenses committed by Preston and Imogene Blackstone, Cord finds it difficult to walk away from Susan who has taken over a leadership role in the firm he hopes to topple, especially when their hunger for each other becomes an insatiable need. As the feelings deepen Susan must weigh her duty and responsibility to the firm against her love for a man who seems ruthless enough to tear the Blackstone legacy apart.
The characters bring the stories to life, filling both with intrigue and powerful emotional intensity. Well-written and romantically sensual the heroines in the stories are uniquely different but offer a complexity and interest that keeps you immersed in their situations. Jane Hamilton Greer is an enigma, a woman haunted by a kidnapping in her childhood past that has left her terrified of the dark and blood, but who uses men’s perception of her as a dim-witted and wild socialite to garner information. Underlying a submissive, naïve and innocent personality is a woman who’s spirited, self-assured, gutsy, stubborn and scrappy. In contrast, Susan Blackstone doesn’t appeal as much. She’s the lady-like and peaceable widow in the Blackstone family who will do anything to protect her mother-in-law and Preston, her friend and late husband’s brother. Although she’s popular, sensible, kind and courteous, she seems very naïve when it comes to the feuding Blackstones. Unrealistic is her desire for a relationship that’s filled with love and trust when she’s obsessive in her lust for Cord.
Similarly, Grant Sullivan is the hard-nosed, tough, guarded and lethal mercenary in “Midnight Rainbow” who falls for contradictory Jane Greer with her need to hold hands to stave off the darkness and get rid of the blood of a boa constrictor but proves formidable and brave when confronted by rebels who want to kill them. Haunted by his past he tends to be ill-tempered and controlled, preferring loneliness and a solitary lifestyle to a committed relationship until he meets Jane. Cord Blackstone troubled by guilt is a self-assured, risk-taker who’s deceptive, charming and a sexual rogue. He falls for Susan Blackstone creating a wanton out of a lady.
I liked “Midnight Rainbow” and “Tears of a Renegade” as two couples under challenging conditions fall recklessly in love. Both were fascinating romances that kept me captivated until the end
“Tears of a Renegade” in contrast opens when a party hosted by the President of Blackstone Corporation is crashed by the sexy black sheep of the family Cord Blackstone. A widow having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Susan Blackstone has never met anyone like roguishly handsome Cord who not only is attracted to her on sight, but begins a seduction that has her wanting a man who’s dangerous to her new family. Scheming to topple the firm in revenge for offenses committed by Preston and Imogene Blackstone, Cord finds it difficult to walk away from Susan who has taken over a leadership role in the firm he hopes to topple, especially when their hunger for each other becomes an insatiable need. As the feelings deepen Susan must weigh her duty and responsibility to the firm against her love for a man who seems ruthless enough to tear the Blackstone legacy apart.
The characters bring the stories to life, filling both with intrigue and powerful emotional intensity. Well-written and romantically sensual the heroines in the stories are uniquely different but offer a complexity and interest that keeps you immersed in their situations. Jane Hamilton Greer is an enigma, a woman haunted by a kidnapping in her childhood past that has left her terrified of the dark and blood, but who uses men’s perception of her as a dim-witted and wild socialite to garner information. Underlying a submissive, naïve and innocent personality is a woman who’s spirited, self-assured, gutsy, stubborn and scrappy. In contrast, Susan Blackstone doesn’t appeal as much. She’s the lady-like and peaceable widow in the Blackstone family who will do anything to protect her mother-in-law and Preston, her friend and late husband’s brother. Although she’s popular, sensible, kind and courteous, she seems very naïve when it comes to the feuding Blackstones. Unrealistic is her desire for a relationship that’s filled with love and trust when she’s obsessive in her lust for Cord.
Similarly, Grant Sullivan is the hard-nosed, tough, guarded and lethal mercenary in “Midnight Rainbow” who falls for contradictory Jane Greer with her need to hold hands to stave off the darkness and get rid of the blood of a boa constrictor but proves formidable and brave when confronted by rebels who want to kill them. Haunted by his past he tends to be ill-tempered and controlled, preferring loneliness and a solitary lifestyle to a committed relationship until he meets Jane. Cord Blackstone troubled by guilt is a self-assured, risk-taker who’s deceptive, charming and a sexual rogue. He falls for Susan Blackstone creating a wanton out of a lady.
I liked “Midnight Rainbow” and “Tears of a Renegade” as two couples under challenging conditions fall recklessly in love. Both were fascinating romances that kept me captivated until the end
November 3, 2021
This book contains 2 short romantic suspense novels by a master of the genre, Linda Howard.
The first, Midnight Rainbow, is the first book in the Rescues series. Jane Greer, a wealthy socialite, was the companion of a man with important information, a man who was murdered. Jane is presumed to have access to that information and has been kidnapped and held hostage in Costa Rica. Grant Sullivan has been hired out of retirement to rescue her. Jane was kidnapped as a child and has since suffered from several fears, regardless she is determined to escape and coincidently it is the same night Grant shows up to rescue her. They spend the next several days and nights avoiding recapture and getting to know each other. You'll have to read, to see what happens.
Tears of the Renegade - this book isn't a true romantic suspense. Cord Blackstone never fit in with his conservative family and after being part of a scandal, he disappeared. Now he's back to reclaim his birthright and ultimately the widow of his cousin Vance, Susan. His family has been reinvesting Cord's assets into the family company, now they'll have to scramble to pay him off. But, Cord is satisfied with a payoff, he wants to be part of the company and he wants a resolution of what happened all those years ago, and then there is Susan, who shouldn't fit, but does and he wants her very much. How does the situation get resolved?
The first, Midnight Rainbow, is the first book in the Rescues series. Jane Greer, a wealthy socialite, was the companion of a man with important information, a man who was murdered. Jane is presumed to have access to that information and has been kidnapped and held hostage in Costa Rica. Grant Sullivan has been hired out of retirement to rescue her. Jane was kidnapped as a child and has since suffered from several fears, regardless she is determined to escape and coincidently it is the same night Grant shows up to rescue her. They spend the next several days and nights avoiding recapture and getting to know each other. You'll have to read, to see what happens.
Tears of the Renegade - this book isn't a true romantic suspense. Cord Blackstone never fit in with his conservative family and after being part of a scandal, he disappeared. Now he's back to reclaim his birthright and ultimately the widow of his cousin Vance, Susan. His family has been reinvesting Cord's assets into the family company, now they'll have to scramble to pay him off. But, Cord is satisfied with a payoff, he wants to be part of the company and he wants a resolution of what happened all those years ago, and then there is Susan, who shouldn't fit, but does and he wants her very much. How does the situation get resolved?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
This is two books.
I really liked Midnight Rainbow. I give it 4 stars although I would have liked an epilogue.
Grant Sullivan comes out of retirement to rescue Jane Greer, who he thinks is a spoiled rich kid. She's not. Once Grant becomes acquainted with the real Jane, he's smitten in spite of trying to keep her at arm's length.
I wasn't enamoured with Tears of the Renegade. Cord Blackstone comes back to his family for revenge. Susan Blackstone is the widow of his cousin, and she's caught in the middle between her mother-in-law (Cord's aunt) and her brother-in-law (Cord's cousin), and Cord in this family feud. The romance didn't really work for me. Susan calls it love. I call it lust.
I really liked Midnight Rainbow. I give it 4 stars although I would have liked an epilogue.
Grant Sullivan comes out of retirement to rescue Jane Greer, who he thinks is a spoiled rich kid. She's not. Once Grant becomes acquainted with the real Jane, he's smitten in spite of trying to keep her at arm's length.
I wasn't enamoured with Tears of the Renegade. Cord Blackstone comes back to his family for revenge. Susan Blackstone is the widow of his cousin, and she's caught in the middle between her mother-in-law (Cord's aunt) and her brother-in-law (Cord's cousin), and Cord in this family feud. The romance didn't really work for me. Susan calls it love. I call it lust.
February 10, 2022
Borrowed this from the library because I have not read the 2nd story Tears of a Renegade before.
This was a 1985 story and very short in the Harlequin romance style, 9 chapters only. So the plot didn't have too much time to develop but it was good...nothing much really happened and it didn't get too draggy Cord's revenge etc.
I can only give this 3.5* even though I enjoy Linda Howard's earlier books. I feel I needed more angst haha!
This was a 1985 story and very short in the Harlequin romance style, 9 chapters only. So the plot didn't have too much time to develop but it was good...nothing much really happened and it didn't get too draggy Cord's revenge etc.
I can only give this 3.5* even though I enjoy Linda Howard's earlier books. I feel I needed more angst haha!
August 3, 2017
I had read Midnight Rainbow before and I appreciated reading it again.
Tears of an Renegade was just so-so. Cord was a straight up insulting at first and I didn't understand the Southern Lady thing Susan had going on.
Tears of an Renegade was just so-so. Cord was a straight up insulting at first and I didn't understand the Southern Lady thing Susan had going on.
April 20, 2018
😍Linda Howard
I'm rereading the Linda Howard books I read in the past and am falling in love with her writing all over again! Certain books have similar themes, but the character development separates each book from others.
I'm rereading the Linda Howard books I read in the past and am falling in love with her writing all over again! Certain books have similar themes, but the character development separates each book from others.
February 18, 2018
I'm in love with this book. The two stories in this book are simply amazing.
November 20, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was a must read! I couldn’t put it down!
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was a must read! I couldn’t put it down!
June 11, 2019
Was ok.
November 27, 2019
Didn’t care for this one. I only read the first story. 🤷🏼♀️
January 15, 2021
Two separate stories read before....
May 26, 2024
good book!
March 18, 2017
Two older stories repackaged: Midnight Rainbow and Tears of the Renegade. I liked the first one, but the second one did not, in my opinion, wear as well over the years.
Read
December 26, 2016It was good.
January 23, 2017
would have given even more stars if available. Great book to read. excites me to read further. sad that they ended eventually
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews