Linda Howard

A thrilling, fast-paced novel of romantic suspense from sensational New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Linda Howard. For Morgan Yancy, an operative and team leader in a paramilitary group, nothing comes before his job. But when he’s ambushed and almost killed, his supervisor is determined to find out who’s after the members of his elite squad—and why. Due to worries that this unknown enemy will strike again, Morgan is sent to a remote location and told to lay low and stay vigilant. But between a tempting housemate he’s determined to protect and a deadly threat waiting in the shadows, keeping under the radar is proving to be his most dangerous mission yet. The part-time police chief of a small West Virginian mountain town, Isabeau “Bo” Maran finally has her life figured out. She’s got friends, a dog, and a little money in the bank. Then Morgan Yancy shows up on her doorstep. Bo doesn’t need a mysterious man in her life—especially a troublemaker as enticing and secretive as Morgan. The harder they fight the intense heat between them, the closer Morgan and Bo become, even though she knows he’s hiding from something. But discovering the truth could cost Bo more than she’s willing to give. And when Morgan’s cover is blown, it might just cost her life.

A Novel

Troublemaker

Totally Addicted to Reading

Troublemaker by Linda Howard is the first book in the GO-Team series. I have to admit I am confused as to the classification of this book. The synopsis hinted at it being romantic suspense, so I jumped in expecting a thrilling, suspenseful ride interspersed with romance. Well I never got what I expected. Instead, I got a story set in a small town, filled with drama, laughter and some romance. There was virtually no suspense. At one point, it appeared as if there would be action, but that scene fell flat leaving me with a lot more questions than answers.

The story introduces Morgan Yancy a member of the Go-Team. Shortly after returning home from a gruelling yet successful mission, he was attacked outside his home. His boss not willing to take any chances sent him into hiding and proceeded to set subtle traps to catch the persons responsible.

Isabeau Mara (Bo) is the chief of police for Hamrickville, the town that Morgan was sent to hide. It so happened she was Morgan’s boss stepsister, but they did not have a good relationship. Not sure why he sent Morgan there, but I figured, it was to get a rise out of Bo. She was not amused when she saw him, especially when she discovered who sent him. However, when she saw his physical appearance, she realised he direly needed help, and she extended her hospitality.

The story started out slow and took time to build up. When it did, I found it to be a sweet and entertaining read. The focus was on the dramatic events in the town and the budding romance between Morgan and Bo. I would classify it as sweet small town romance. Small town drama added spice to the story.

There were a few loose ends. I figured out the reason for the attack on Morgan and the need for the precautions taken to flush out the villain. However, what I could not fathom the reason for allowing the masterminds to escape. What baffled me even more was they had one in their grasp but they allowed the person to walk away with no consequences. The reason was there was no proof, and this was another area, which I had an issue. Most story was focused on Morgan’s recuperation and his romance with Bo. Mention was made that Morgan’s boss was working to uncover the reason behind the attack. However, readers did not get an opportunity to experience the investigation. At one point, I wondered if an investigation had taken place. The story ended, and I still did not understand what was their agenda. 

I enjoyed spending time with the characters, but my favourite was Triks. It says a lot that when s story ends the character you loved the most was the dog. Triks is such a Diva. There were moments when she made me laugh and times when I found myself saying aww. She is so adorable. She brought life to the story and helped to make it a worthwhile read.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Although it did not live up to my expectations, I still had some fun reading this installment.. If I were to rate this book, as a romantic suspense, then it would fail miserably, but as a sweet small town romance, it hit the spot.

Amanda 

I've read a lot of Linda Howard books and usually enjoy them immensely. This one though...oof. Not much happened and nearly the whole book was spent praising a golden retriever named, Tricks. I thought this dog was going to turn into some ninja superhero sniper or something at the end of the book, save the day, and cure cancer but nope. Didn't do a damn thing. I've never disliked an animal in a book or movie before but I did not like this dog by the end of the book. 

I did thoroughly enjoy the second book in the Go-Team series and recommend that one. Skip this one though. It's not really needed.

Lynn Braden

Isabeau (Bo) is a small town police chief who is forced to accept a house guest in Morgan, an operative who has survived a gunshot wound and needs someplace quiet and safe to heal. In the beginning, Morgan is extremely weak, but as he gets stronger, he and Bo become more and more attracted to one another. When Bo's beloved dog, Tricks, is threatened, Morgan saves her and the relationship is consummated. There really isn't much suspense in the story until near then end when the culprit who was responsible for shooting Morgan is finally revealed. 
The interaction between the two lead characters made for a light and fun developing romance which is enhanced by the love of a good dog, but the suspense aspect of the story is left shortchanged. The middle of the story drags on a bit as the relationship between the characters is explored for almost too long. A good light read by Linda Howard, but there are so many of her books that I liked more than this one.

Troublemaker A Novel

Reviews