Running Wild (The Men from Battle Ridge, #1)

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Running Wild (The Men from Battle Ridge #1)

by Linda Howard, Linda Winstead Jones (Goodreads Author)

3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 · rating details · 893 ratings · 193 reviews

In book 1 of this steamy new contemporary Western romance series by two blockbuster authors, a cowboy and a woman on the run take a stand and fight for love.

Carlin Reed lives in fear, off the grid, moving from place to place. So Battle Ridge, Wyoming, a small town in the middle of nowhere, seems like a good place to lie low for a while. But after becoming cook and housekee

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Mass Market Paperback, 367 pages

Published November 27th 2012 by Ballantine Books (first published April 24th 2012)

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Nov 13, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Carlin Reed is on the run from an obsessed stalker. She's tried reporting him to the authorities but without success. Afterall, who are they going to believe, her or her stalker, (view spoiler) Constantly on the move, she ends up in Battle Ridge, Wyoming. Taking a job as a waitress for a time, she's ready to move on again, when an offer comes as a cook and housekeeper on a nearby ranch.

Zeke Decker really doesn't need the distractions of a young, single, attractive woman on...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, series-opener

3.75 stars, possibly 4. An enjoyable contemporary western romance, with some suspense. Quite a pleasant read, if a little disappointing. I loved the characters and the western setting, but there was not enough of that wonderful high-octane suspense I have grown to expect from Linda Howard. (I am not familiar with the co-author.)

This book also lacked Howard's famous sexy banter (see Mr. Perfect, for one example). It just didn't have ENOUGH of the earthy bold humor I love -- even though the heroin...more 3.75 stars, possibly 4. An enjoyable contemporary western romance, with some suspense. Quite a pleasant read, if a little disappointing. I loved the characters and the western setting, but there was not enough of that wonderful high-octane suspense I have grown to expect from Linda Howard. (I am not familiar with the co-author.)

This book also lacked Howard's famous sexy banter (see Mr. Perfect, for one example). It just didn't have ENOUGH of the earthy bold humor I love -- even though the heroine, Carlin Reed, was named after the comedian, George Carlin, and the authors tried to include fun repartee.

The suspense was a bit weak, the villain one-dimensional. I couldn't get too worried about Carlin's psychotic stalker (Brad), because I knew she was safely off the grid on the ranch, as the book synopsis indicates. I knew she'd be safe from Brad until something happened that would reveal her whereabouts. Also, she made Zeke promise not to hunt down Brad, and wouldn't even tell him Brad's last name.

So ... no offense + no defense = no suspense.

Without any real suspense for most of the book, what's left is a sweet story about big-hearted ranch hands (I liked the scenes of protectiveness and loyalty), good hot food (glad the hungry ranchers finally got something besides oatmeal and cheese toast), lessons in self-defense (I enjoyed these scenes), and Carlin's attempts to make white cake and biscuits (meh). There were also a few potentially life-threatening events, but they were all accidental.

Pacing was weak. I had a hard time staying with it in the long middle section. Too much focus on recipes, laundry, and house cleaning. I wish the book had been shorter. I forgive more of a shorter book.

The love affair with Zeke? Fine! It just didn't do a whole lot for me. Not sure why, exactly. He didn't want her there at first?? They didn't talk much ?? -- first SHE didn't talk to him, keeping him at bay, out of her kitchen, not even calling him by name. Then HE didn't talk much to her, not wanting to spook her, needing her to feel safe at his ranch (sweet) and not flee. Sometimes, it almost felt like he fell in love with her cooking, but only because the authors talked so much about food. Yes, there was some explicit sex, but there wasn't quite enough emotional sizzle. I liked the sizzling scene in his office!

One scene where Zeke really came across as a super-protective Howard hero is when he (view spoiler). And of course, Zeke was in alpha mode at the end, against Brad. But so was Carlin in top form at the end. A classic Howard kick-asp couple!

The truth is, I hold Howard to a higher standard than most. Blame it on her other heroes, like Jack, or Sam, or Grant, etc.

Bottom line: Good! Glad I read it. I plan to read the sequel.

(Content: A few explicit sex scenes -- short but sweet, some violence / murder, minimal or no religious profanity, but about 200 swear words (mostly damn, but also shi* and F or M-F)(less)

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Feb 17, 2013 BamaGal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cont-romance, library, suspense-thriller

First, a note to Karla...this is what a bare chest should look like. He may not be overly buff, but at least he doesn't have nipple-less boobs... ;-)

Carlin is on the run from a stalker ex-bf, and Zeke is a rancher in Wyoming who badly needs a cook for himself and his ranch hands. It was a good set-up for a love story, especially when the snow started and they were trapped in the ranch house alone together. I especially liked Zeke. He was a charming mixture of alpha male and clueless guy; just...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Tina "coffee and books" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: part-of-a-series, contemporary-romance, reviewed-netgalley, gifted-or-free-read, reviewed

Running Wild: The Men From Battleridge by Linda Howard and Linda Jones is a must read! I mean seriously read it now, well finish my review first and then go buy this book!

Carlin Reed lives in fear everyday, always on the run and always watching her back. 2 lousy dates and her life was forever changed. She's being stalked by a policeman, so of course no one believed her when she tried to report him. She's on the run, stopping at random places, working for cash only, making no friends and moving...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Karla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Linda Howard fans

Recommended to Karla by: Jill

Shelves: netgalley-arc, awesome-alpha, exciting, funny, hot-cowboys, mild-steam-factor, strong-willed-heroine, terrific-dialogue, witty, wonderful-secondary-characters, yummy-men

4 Stars! Nice start to the series! Well done author collaboration!

I’ve never read anything by Linda Winstead Jones, so I can’t compare, but I was definitely getting the Linda Howard vibe in this book. Particularly with the snarky banter between H and h, where the attraction is undeniable, but they use sarcasm to keep each other at arm’s length. It was reminiscent her books, Mr. Perfect , Open Season and Heart of Fire, all of which I loved!

The prologue introduces us to the grumpy Zeke and then...more
4 Stars! Nice start to the series! Well done author collaboration!

I’ve never read anything by Linda Winstead Jones, so I can’t compare, but I was definitely getting the Linda Howard vibe in this book. Particularly with the snarky banter between H and h, where the attraction is undeniable, but they use sarcasm to keep each other at arm’s length. It was reminiscent her books, Mr. Perfect , Open Season and Heart of Fire, all of which I loved!

The prologue introduces us to the grumpy Zeke and then switches over to Carlin’s story and the suspense begins. Carlin finds herself on the run and ends up in the one-horse town of Battle Ridge, Wyoming. I enjoyed the small town setting and all the characters she meets, particularly Kat, Miss Sass and Spunk. Carlin finds employment and a place to hide at Kat’s diner, The Pie Hole, where she also has her first encounter and battle of wills with Zeke, who also happens to be Kat’s cousin.

Zeke and Carlin’s relationship is slow to build, no quick declarations of love, they dance around each other, and it was a dance I enjoyed watching. Their back and forth banter was witty, fun and had me chuckling numerous times. Zeke allows Carlin to dictate their relationship, he’s still an alpha male, but he respects her boundaries. I loved the men on the ranch, all but one of them, were charming, and fiercely protective of Carlin, even from their own boss. Sweet Spencer…so adorable…sperm collector and temporary cook…oh how I loved him. Patrick, quiet and polite, but they’re the ones who surprise us the most! These boys need books too!

The book is being promoted as steamy…hmmm, I would have to disagree. There’s some heat, but not full out sauna steam, more like the light haze over a hot cup of tea! It added to the romance, but there were so many other good things that drove the story.

The ending was quite riveting and had me on the edge of my seat! One spot of weakness, a lot less reflection and inner turmoil would have been better and more dialogue. I like getting into a character’s head, but I don’t want to spend too much time there.

If you’re a Linda Howard fan, I would say without a doubt you will enjoy this book. I’m sticking with the series, and if the ending was any indication of the couple that might be featured in the next installment, it’s going to be very interesting!

**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing via NetGalley**(less)

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Dec 20, 2012 Tracey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy

This is a gentle read, a very pleasant read at that - we have Carlin who is on the run from a nasty stalker, she is terrified and has all her guards up, she may be on guard but still has a smart mouth on her. She drives into a small town in Wyoming and takes a break in the local cafe/diner, luckily she lands on her feet and is offered some temporary work in the diner.

Zeke, the rough but handsome cowboy that owns a ranch and works hard running it, when his housekeeper ups and leaves he is forced...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Ren rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Linda Howard's fans!

Recommended to Ren by: I still have faith to LH!

Shelves: arc-netgalley, 4-stars, alpha-hero, ass-kick-heroine, author-autobuy, best-cover-at-series, crazy-character, drooling-cover, e-books, family-theme, contemporary-romance, group-challenge, read-english-book-challenge, reccomended-to-translated, reviewed, ren-blog-review, sadistic-psycho-chara, steamy, there-s-hot-and-dangerous-heroes, western-cowboy

With thanks to Netgalley and Random House to provide the e-ARC

A.Z.Decker or Zeke doesn't need a new housekeeper after Libby, his previous housekeeper left. But he don't have a choice to hire Carlin Reed after his temporary housekeeper (who is man) got accident. Carlin is woman on the run. She had stalker, Brad, who is psycho cop that previously killed her friend because he mistake her for Carlin. Carlin then go to Battle Ridge, Wyoming and got work at Kat's place, The Pie Hole(Kat is Zeke's cous...more With thanks to Netgalley and Random House to provide the e-ARC

A.Z.Decker or Zeke doesn't need a new housekeeper after Libby, his previous housekeeper left. But he don't have a choice to hire Carlin Reed after his temporary housekeeper (who is man) got accident. Carlin is woman on the run. She had stalker, Brad, who is psycho cop that previously killed her friend because he mistake her for Carlin. Carlin then go to Battle Ridge, Wyoming and got work at Kat's place, The Pie Hole(Kat is Zeke's cousin anyway). So, when Kat offered Carlin to be Zeke's new housekeeper, Carlin with her witty attitude said "bring it on!", especially after Zeke called her "stray". Not good Mr Decker. Not good at all.

Carlin then become Zeke's cook and also housekeeper. She cook for 9 cowboy, Zeke himself and his ranch employe. She forged friendship with them especialy with Spencer, who is the temporary cook that got accident while trying to resist her attraction to Zeke. Carlin is red-blooded woman, she's not immune to Zeke's manliness. But Brad had ruined her for any potential relationship. Carlin live carefully, don't want Brad to track her. Zeke who know about Carlin's problem is frustated because he want to protect her. He also torn to admit his feeling to Carlin because he is her employer. With a psycho stalker hot in her trail, Carlin must stop running and face the problem because she realize Battle Ridge is finally become her home.

This one turn up to be good! Running Wild is remind me of some Linda Howard's classic novels and make me miss her old writing style so much! I think its good for her to be partner with her BFF, Linda Jones (or Linda Winstead Jones) so she can make a heartwarming story without losing her usual style. Alas some part of the book is so slow and dragging. Especially when Carlin do cooking and housekeeping. I eagerly waiting for the suspense part to begin. Talk about impatience!

Why I give Running Wild 4 stars?
Sexy alpha cowboy (John Rafferty without mustache ;) )? Check!
Woman on the run but not TSTL and she kick butt? Check!
Suspense and thriller plot? Check.
Family theme story? Check.
Witty and sexy bantering between the H/h? Check, check, check!
Some (finally!!) sexy steamy sex scene? Booyaaaah!!
Even I'm still think its because Linda Jones's writing since... Linda Howard seems write less and less steamy sex now :(.

Running Wild is previously published as Warrior Rising, the second book that continue from Blood Born. Alas, via LH and LJ FB page, the publisher decide to push it back and change with this one (thanks for the info, Miss Berry!). From vampire to cowboy, wonder if Edward Cullen decide to move from Forks to Wyoming? But of course Zeke is sexier than him and Carlin Reed is not Mary Sue. Zeke is typical of your alpha male, take all responsibilty over his shoulder. Some readers might find it sexy. Me, I'm okay with that since he's not into jerk with make me grateful. BTW, all the recipes in this book make me drooling. I'm so tempted to try one of the recipes. Especially "Never Fail White Cake".

Running Wild will make Linda Howard's old fans enjoy and remember why we love Linda Howard so much. For you who is love cowboy story with an enganging suspense part, Running Wild is a must for your bookshelves!(less)

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Nov 23, 2012 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: galleys-arcs

In this really great opening book into a new series, you will get to meet the feisty, smart and scared Carlin Reed. And, yes she was named after George Carlin! She is being stalked by someone nobody would ever expect it of, and her stalker has already killed one person that Carlin cares about. Now she is on the run.

Her running takes her to an unlikely place by the name of Battle Ridge, Wyoming a very quiet ranching town that is sort of on the way out, with people moving trying to make a living e...more In this really great opening book into a new series, you will get to meet the feisty, smart and scared Carlin Reed. And, yes she was named after George Carlin! She is being stalked by someone nobody would ever expect it of, and her stalker has already killed one person that Carlin cares about. Now she is on the run.

Her running takes her to an unlikely place by the name of Battle Ridge, Wyoming a very quiet ranching town that is sort of on the way out, with people moving trying to make a living elsewhere.

After working for a while for Kat the owner of The Pie Hole here in town, Carlin gets sort of coerced into taking a job for Zeke Decker, a cattle ranch owner who is just walking sex on a stick, if you know what I mean! He is gruff, blustery and the type of guy who wants to fix everything for almost everyone!

This was a wonderful romance, but even more importantly, it was a terrific suspense novel. This is something that Linda Howard is known for, and she really worked it. I had trouble seeing just where Ms Jones left her mark, as the writing was so seamless between the two women.

Some of the passages got to be a little too much with the inner angst but they were soon bypassed by increasingly suspenseful…well…suspense scenes.

Zeke does get around to eventually getting his own way and teaching Carlin just what she needs to know about saving herself if she ever finds herself in need to. And of course she will eventually need to. She makes for a great kick-butt heroine who also knows when to let someone more experienced take over in the kicking butt department.

This was written with a tight plot, great, well-rounded characters of different kinds all with their own voices. The scene descriptions where vividly written, the scenery descriptions made you actually see them in your mind. There was even plentiful humor to break up the fear factor. The sexual aspect took quite a while to come up and I appreciated that. I don’t always like a book where the couple has to fall into bed in the 5th chapter. I could actually believe that they took their time and really fell into love instead of it being simply lust disguised to look like love.

I loved this book and will be buying the next one in this series, and I will be keeping this on my to –be- re-read shelf!

*ARC SUPPLIED BY PUBLISHER*(less)

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Mar 31, 2013 Marleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

The way I see it, teaming up with Linda Jones was a smart move on Linda Howard’s part. I had actually given up on this author a while ago after finding her work becoming too generic and unoriginal. I got curious reading the synopsis of Running Wild: a contemporary western romance in snowy Wyoming – who could resist? It turns out this was a read I liked. It might’ve been a little bit less repetitive on Carlin’s side, the female lead, on the run from a stalker, but boy-oh-boy, the portrayal of Zek...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Saly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Saly by: Jill

Shelves: romantic-suspense, single-titles, read-in-2013, rancher-cowboy

Just to be clear, I am not sure this book will be everyone's cup of tea because the romance truly does take a lot of time to get going so we get to read about the heroine doing her chores, the hero doing his work etc etc. The heroine is on the run from a man she dated twice, he being a cop made things difficult and he escalated killing her friend thinking it was the heroine, so now she is truly off the grid, doing whatever jobs she can. The hero's cousin gets the heroine a job with the hero who...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Noelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, owned, 2012-reads, alpha-male, herione-with-tortured-past, romantic-suspence, woman-on-the-run

This one was a little slow at the beginning but then it starts to pick up.

Carlin (h) is on the run. She had went on two dates with Brad and new that there was something not right with him and called it quits. He however had other thoughts and became her stalker. She didn't really know how serious that Brad was until he killed her friend when she had borrowed her rain coat, now she takes no chances and she keeps moving. As she pulls into Battle Ridge, a little town in Wyoming, she only plans on s...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Pat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Running Wild...... By Linda Howard and Linda Jones.
Carlin Reed is a young woman enjoying her life and friends in Houston. She makes the mistake of going on a blind date with Brad Henderson, a police officer, and her life changes forever. He refuses to accept her rejection, and becomes a stalker. Knowing his profession, she feels it's safest to disappear. She ends up in Dallas, rebuilding her life, until her best friend , wearing Carlin's raincoat, is gunned down on the street. Now, his attention...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Jacqueline rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, cowboys-ranchers, from-readers-world, shes-got-a-stalker

This book was a good enough read but I don't think it's going to be a reread. I am fond of the woman on the run set up but somehow it wasn't all that interesting here. I think because her reaction seemed extreme for what had happened. Yes the other girl getting killed was bad but her running off the grid and always moving on would have made more sense if he was shown continually finding her. Because otherwise hunkering down on the ranch where there was little possibility that she would be found...more

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Jan 20, 2013 MedievalMinstrel rated it 2 of 5 stars

Running wild is, as the title indicates, a book about a woman named Carlin who lives running (wildly?) from a stalker and ends up in a small town called Battle (fitting name) Ridge working for a cowboy. I'll try to review without giving away too much. I decided for this review that i would try to give an objective opinion of the book followed by my thoughts about it.

The book has three main narrators: Carlin (she narrates a big part of the book), Zeke (the cowboy and Carlin's employer) and Brad...more Running wild is, as the title indicates, a book about a woman named Carlin who lives running (wildly?) from a stalker and ends up in a small town called Battle (fitting name) Ridge working for a cowboy. I'll try to review without giving away too much. I decided for this review that i would try to give an objective opinion of the book followed by my thoughts about it.

The book has three main narrators: Carlin (she narrates a big part of the book), Zeke (the cowboy and Carlin's employer) and Brad (the stalker). This allows the reader to fully understand the narrator's choices and actions in the book since he/she sees the world through their eyes. It's interesting because the authors know the protagonist is Carlin so she has most of the "screen time" and we don't get bored with, say, lots of narration from the stalker for example.

The writing is simple, without flourish and direct. There is more narration than dialogue, which sometimes slows the pace of the action. The premise of the book is simple: woman runs away from a crazy stalker and in one of her stops finds a cowboy; and the resolution, i would say is quite satisfactory.

At the end of the book the authors include several recipes mentioned throughout the book. That's a nice gesture.

Now my thoughts:

I found the book to be slow. It started fine but it got to a point where i started to skim through paragraphs to get to the dialogues and/or the action. I understand the protagonist fear and frustration: she has to live on the run, never staying in a place too long and that has to be nerve-wracking. I understood it the first time she said she couldn't stay in Battle Ridge. I understood it too the second time she said she had to leave Battle Ridge soon. And i was still understanding it perfectly the 20th time she said she should be leaving Battle Ridge. Plus, with so many repetitions we get less dialogue, which is a pity because i feel that she and Zeke could fill pages with their banter but we only get a glimpse of what it could be. Don't get me wrong: their chemistry is good and well depicted in the book, but, in my opinion, not fully exploited.

Another thing is that the idea of the book has been developed in many other books before. This is not bad, nothing is new under the sun but, knowing this, the authors could have done something different to separate this book from the rest. I admit i expected many of the cliches, and i wasn't bothered by them. But i also expected a bit more action (i only got *SPOILER* the car scare with Spencer and Carlin and the final "duel" *END SPOILER*) and more romance.

The characters are fine and the ending predictable (i'm not saying this as something negative, many books have a predictable ending and you still get to enjoy the journey). I would say an okay book if you're really bored.

(less)

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Dec 09, 2012 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, contemporary-romance, reviewer-copy

Needing someplace to hide for the winter, Carlin Reed found a remote town and a private ranch to help out at. Zeke Decker wasn't wanting another woman in his life, after his housekeeper/cook left he wanted to hire an older woman or better yet a man for the job. Not finding anyone to fit the bill but becoming desperate, he decided to give her a chance. Only wanting to keep her head down and save enough money to survive when she has to move on, she was not looking for any connection that could end...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-amanda

Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 Stars

Don’t you love it when you finish a book and it leaves you satisfied that it was such a good story? That is what I got when I finished reading Running Wild: The Men of Battle Ridge by Linda Howard and Linda Jones. Written by two wonderful romance writers I didn’t get your typical girl on the run story but a well written entertaining story. There was good dialogue, funny moments and likeable characters with all the elements to make an...more Amanda's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 Stars

Don’t you love it when you finish a book and it leaves you satisfied that it was such a good story? That is what I got when I finished reading Running Wild: The Men of Battle Ridge by Linda Howard and Linda Jones. Written by two wonderful romance writers I didn’t get your typical girl on the run story but a well written entertaining story. There was good dialogue, funny moments and likeable characters with all the elements to make an exceptional contemporary western romance.

Carlin/Carly Reed is on the run and ends up in the small town of Battle Ridge, Wyoming. She’s learned to live under the radar so that an ex-boyfriend doesn’t use his computer skills to locate her. Not only is Brad a hacker but a cop. He found her once and it proved to be deadly. She heads into the Pie Hole, (great name), to look for work. She gets a job working for Kat Bailey and things are working out well for her so she can figure out a plan to deal with Brad. Through circumstances she temporarily becomes the cook/housekeeper for Kat’s cousin Zeke Decker, when he’s desperate for clean laundry and a cook for his ranch hands. She doesn’t really want to leave Battle Ridge so she agrees but she doesn’t take any crap from Zeke or the other men on the ranch. She rises to the challenge of cooking for the men and doesn’t let a cake get the better of her. I love it when the heroine is confident in herself and doesn’t waver with decisions or actions.

I liked Zeke. He was attracted to Carlin but waited and let her get comfortable with him. He knows that she was there temporarily and didn’t want her to run before spring, so he goes with the flow. He helps Carlin learn self-defense and teaches her how to shoot a firearm. I especially loved the banter between Zeke and Carly when he begins the self-defense. She’s a hoot. Zeke is an all-around good guy and it came through with the way he handled his ranch hands and Carlin.

When an accident causes Carlin to rethink how she’s been living and reaches out to Zeke things really heat up between them. I’m so glad that the story developed their relationship first before their sexual relationship because it meant so much more for both of them. Isn’t getting there half the fun? This book has it all. It has good and bad guys, suspense and romance, a good cast of characters, and definitely good writing. I loved the ending and can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

Bonus: I love the recipes that they include with the book. I read cookbooks myself and when an author goes to the trouble and adds recipes I find myself trying them out. I have grown sons and anything I can find for them is a plus.

Review copy provided for an honest review. (less)

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Nov 17, 2012 Kathy Martin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Carlin is on the run. After two dates with a guy named Brad, he developed an obsession with her - sneaking into her apartment, following her, making harassing phone calls. When she reported him, she was blown off. He was a local boy and a cop and had made sure no one saw the two of them together. First Carlin runs to Dallas. However, Brad followed her and killed a woman he thought was her because she had lent her friend her raincoat.

Now Carlin in trying to live off the grid. She is travelling f...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Jane Litte rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Please let this be awesome.

So it wasn't awesome like After the Night, Kill and Tell, Dream Man, or Now You See Her. But it was a 100 times better than the Alive story or the Ice Storm with bear POV.

Carlin Reed is on the run from a guy who became obsessed with her. The stalker was the weakest component of the story and I wished we hadn't seen his POV because I felt like he was a caricature. It wasn't until the end that I felt he was genuinely portrayed. But, far better than the Bear POV, so I s...more

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May 15, 2013 Sarah Yoffa rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Linda Howard fans or any romantic suspense fans

Recommended to Sarah by: LibraryThing Early Reviewers List

Shelves: lter, romance, review-done

My Rating: 3½ stars out of 5
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Usual Read? Yep, I love this genre & usually this author (Linda Howard, don't know Linda Jones)
Cover Art: 4.5 stars out of 5 - Although the guy on the cover is gorgeous, I have to take one half-star away because he bears no resemblance to the very large, buff, bulky Uber Alpha described in the words of the book. Except maybe that he's wearing a cowboy hat.

My review:
First of all, I enjoyed the book for what it was. I didn't lower the rati...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Adisty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, lisa-kleypas, netgalley, romance-challenge, romantic-suspense

Linda Howard is my favorite author and I've been waiting for her new installment. Was the waiting worth? Given my rating is 3.5 stars, I guess maybe.

This book wasn't her strongest. Not as good as Mr.Perfect, Open Season, or even MacKenzie series but way better than her newest books, Veil of Night, Ice or Burn. That being said, Running Wild was great romance novel. It was nicely written (as we know it, LH is superb writer). Great dialogue with plenty humor. Though the storyline was a standard wom...more Linda Howard is my favorite author and I've been waiting for her new installment. Was the waiting worth? Given my rating is 3.5 stars, I guess maybe.

This book wasn't her strongest. Not as good as Mr.Perfect, Open Season, or even MacKenzie series but way better than her newest books, Veil of Night, Ice or Burn. That being said, Running Wild was great romance novel. It was nicely written (as we know it, LH is superb writer). Great dialogue with plenty humor. Though the storyline was a standard woman on the run premise, it was interesting and quite engaging.

Lets talk about the character. Carlin Reed, describe as a pretty woman, not outrageously beautiful, she was an average woman with decent job and ended stalk by an obsessive cop. She was sassy and smart-ass. A strong woman (survive being on the run for months).

The hero, A.Z Decker or Zeke. I felt he wasn't really an alpha hero. Yes there was moments where we could see her protective strike an his macho act. But, compared with other LH's heroes he wasn't an alpha. He's a strong man with high confident and responsible person. Describe as a gorgeous and handsome cowboy but also a hard worker.

The relationship between the build in slow pace and it was sweet to watch their interaction banter. Their banter added the humor atmosphere into the story. Their dialogue was hilarious, though not much.

“Holy crap! You lied. You lied like a yellow dog, with apologies to the dog.”
Dark brows drew together, eyes narrowed. “Lied?” he repeated softly.
She pointed into the kitchen. “The cows do live in the house!”
He turned his head to give the kitchen a slow, considering look. Then, damn him, a very pleased smile curved his lips. “Should keep you busy for a while,” he said cheerfully.

"I'm fond of your balls," she said abruptly.
A wary look came into his eyes. "So am I."
"I don't love them, but they're endearing in a cute, wrinkly kind of way. I don't want to hurt them - you."
"Let me give you a tip, buttercup: you don't tell a man his balls are cute."
"You're tough enough to take it. I'd be lying if I said they were pretty."

The storyline wasn't weight with suspense. The stalker threat was only a shadow without much of action. Only in the beginning and the end of the story we could see face to face with the real threat. There is also minor villain but quickly solved. The secondary character was a nice addition. It showed another layer of personality of the hero and heroine.

With quite an appreciation why I gave this book 3.5 stars? Let's peel them off. The beginning was slow and not really a catcher. I felt bored for the first few pages. Though the romance was sweet but I wasn't totally involved emotionally with the couple. The heroine got too much inner self dialogue. I wanted more interaction and dialogue between hero and heroine which showed their emotional depth. I liked the characters but I didn't felt I knew both the hero and the heroine as I hoped to be. As a reader I felt them at a distance.

Maybe because the book written with 2 authors I didn't get the Linda Howard vibes. If I read it without knew who the author was I couldn't even guess it was her book. That being said the collaboration of Howard and Jones writing together was satisfying and it works well.

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Jul 25, 2012 Angela Noviana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Linda Howard's and Linda Jones' lovers

Shelves: ebook, netgalley, suspense-romance

Wow.... This is the first time I read a story about cowboy from Linda Howard (LH), she usually writes about cops. Cool and sexy cops who defending justice such as Sam Donovan (Mr. Perfect), Jack Russo (Open Season), Dane Hollister (Dream Man), or Wyatt Bloodsworth (Blair Mallory series). So, this story kinda different for me because now the cop is the bad man.

For suspense romance, there are only two authors who I love, J.D. Robb and Linda Howard. To be honest, I don't know Linda Jones works yet...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, listened-to-at-work, romance

I thought this book was a fun one to read. I liked Carlin, hated the situation she was in, hated that she was on the run, and scared all the time. I thought that Battle Ridge was a good spot for Carlin to stop in and Kat a great person for her first friend.

I really liked the story of Carlin’s name, along with that of her siblings, and her sarcastic whit when she let it out. Having learned some serious skills on the run, I loved it when Zeke needed help and Carlin laid out what she needed and did...more

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Dec 10, 2012 D.B. Reynolds rated it 5 of 5 stars

Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors,but I was unsure about reading Running Wild,because too often in joint titles like this, the bestselling author's name is on the cover, but she hasn't done any of the writing. Either that wasn't the case with this book, or Linda Jones is every bit as good as Linda Howard, because I. Loved. This. Book. Carlin Reed is tough and determined, on the run from a dangerous stalker/ex-boyfriend. She's vulnerable and scared, but keeps it all on the inside, and sh...more

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Nov 21, 2012 Has rated it 3 of 5 stars

Full Review to be posted soon:

Quick thoughts and mini review -

This is the second book written by Linda Howard and Linda Jones who I have both enjoyed their books in the past. Although with Howard, her recent stuff hasn't lived up to the promise of her older books and have been disappointing, but Running Wild showed elements of her classic tone and humour.
However while I enjoyed the glimpses of humour, snark and the sparring between Carlin and Zeke, there was something missing.

I was also not keen...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Elayne rated it 4 of 5 stars

When Carlin is being stalked by an obsessive ex, she is forced to run for her life when something terrible happens. After months of living under the radar and keeping on the move, doing any job available for cash, she wanders in to the small country town of Battle Ridge where she secures a job working in The Pie Hole..a small cafe/diner owned and run by Kat, who soon becomes a firm friend. Kat's cousin, rancher Zeke Decker is in dire need of a housekeeper/cook for him and his ranch hands and as...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Diane rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: howard, reviewed

I've been a fan of Linda Howard for many years, but she seems to be losing her touch. "Blood Born" (also co-written with Linda Jones) was pretty bad, and I tried "Running Wild" with some trepidation. My fears were realized. I'm not sure what Linda Howard is contributing, but it's much less than the best she can do. Perhaps she should stop this double-author business. If she isn't up to writing her own books, so be it, but half-heartedly contributing to a book that's hardly a step up from Silhoue...more

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Aug 19, 2012 TamElaine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was generously given an uncorrected proof of this novel from NetGalley...and was so excited and privileged given that Linda Howard has been one of my favourite authors – All of the books that I have read that are written by Linda Howard have deserved a 5 star rating in the romance-suspense category – Among them, “After The Night,” “Mr. Perfect,” “Dream Man,” and “Open Season” to name a few.

Carlin Reed has been on the run, afraid to settle in any one place, but knows she must stop long enough...more I was generously given an uncorrected proof of this novel from NetGalley...and was so excited and privileged given that Linda Howard has been one of my favourite authors – All of the books that I have read that are written by Linda Howard have deserved a 5 star rating in the romance-suspense category – Among them, “After The Night,” “Mr. Perfect,” “Dream Man,” and “Open Season” to name a few.

Carlin Reed has been on the run, afraid to settle in any one place, but knows she must stop long enough to make money to be able to move on again. But the people of Battleridge, a small town she stops in on her travels to have some pie, have her wishing her running days were over.

And Zeke, a local cowboy and ranch owner, just happens to be in need of a housekeeper and cook.

Carlin has no intention of letting her guard down and Zeke intends to keep it all business.

I didn’t find that this book had the same magic that Linda Howard usually weaves into her books. I must admit that I am not familiar with Linda Jones’ writing (although I now fully intend to read one of her books), however, the writing is seamless with no obvious transitions apparent between the two authors, which made for a smooth read....I am curious as to how their work was divided, or how the authors worked together in the writing of this book.

Linda Howard is known for her sassy, unique characters and vivid, hot and steamy sexy scenes....and this book does not disappoint !

Several laugh-out loud moments are woven into the book making it fun and enchanting, immediately loving the characters.

The authors are skilled in building anticipation for those events we know are coming which, for me, makes up for the predictability of the story. The most active parts of the books kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, each sentence moving the action forward.

I will definitely be watching out for the next book in the series....I suspect it will be exciting getting to know the rest of the Battleridge boys ! (I don’t have a clue what is in the works, but I would love to read more about Spencer !!! Ms. Howard, Ms. Jones ???? I have a feeling Spencer falling for a woman would make for some great laughable, loving, emotional, and of course sexy moments...he seemed so genuine and so green)

I do so wish that Goodreads would allow half stars...This one rates a 3.5 stars for me...when I have to round the stars, I don't always choose the same direction...in this case, I felt rounding up was more appropriate !
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Nov 22, 2012 Heather Boustead rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: western, romance, suspense, ebook, adult

Running Wild
The Men from Battle Ridge Book One
By Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones

Carlin Reed is on the run, after two dates with a seemingly harmless man he soon becomes obsessed and begins stalking her. One day Carlin is in hiding when her stalker catches up with her and kills a woman who had borrowed her red rain coat sending Carlin on the run once again. This time she lands in Wyoming and what she finds there is more than just a place to lay low but a family amongst the ranch hands and m...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Minna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, romantic-suspense

My first ever (completed) audiobook! It still took forever to get through, but I figured out the best way to do it: a method I like to call, "Reading While Weeding" (for all you librarians out there).
Loved the Wyoming setting. I don't know why I don't read more western romance! It fixes the main problem I find with a lot of contemporary romance, which is that I am not removed enough from the setting. Unless it's humorous (hello, Jennifer Crusie!) or sports (mmm) it's too much like boring old rea...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Miss Berry rated it 2 of 5 stars

I give this only 2 stars with a heavy heart. I really, really, REALLY wanted to like it. I LOVE Linda Howard and can re-read her books happily over and over and have done. But for me, this book had little of her in it, at least not what I love about her writing. I found myself bored with the heroine and wanting more...something about the hero but in the end just not getting it from the book. I found myself so bored that I actually read 2 books in between finishing this one and I only finished ou...more

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About Linda Howard

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

(1) Romance author

Linda S. Howington was born on August 3, 1950 in Alabama, United States. She began to write at nine years old, and wrote for twenty years for her own enjoyment. She worked at a trucking company where she met her husband, and then decided to try and get her work published in 1980. [1:] Her first...more

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Quotes from Running Wild

“You remember the 'be quiet' part of the rules? Embrace it.” — 4 people liked it

“You look like you're about to puke," he observed, pushing his cart forward.

With a quick, inner shake she gathered herself and cut him off to take her rightful position as lead cart. "I was trying to imagine you as a kid. It was horrifying.” — 3 people liked it

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Running Wild (The Men from Battle Ridge #1)

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