Easily one of my favorite Linda Howard novels. I've re-read it way too often. A little suspense, a little romance, and even a little humor all blend well together to treat you to a quick enjoyable read. In it, we meet Daisy Minor, a small town librarian on a mission to land herself a husband. To do so, she changes up her image. This opens the door to Daisy experiencing way more excitement than she bargained for. ( )

I laughed out loud at this book. Even though it's romantic suspense, it was funny. ( )

Much better than the last one I read. I enjoyed this book, a good mystery/romance rolled into one. ( )

Quick summer beach read for librarians - and any others who enjoy a "sexy thriller" about a small town librarian in northern Alabama who decides to change her image. The background story of murders of young women involved in sex trafficking or date rape drugs to the US is left totally unexplored as a social issue, which is strange because of the horrors of that underground world, but the rest of the story is just fun. ( )

Open Season
3.5 Stars

On her birthday, small-town librarian Daisy Minor, decides that she is in dire need of a makeover. After transforming herself from a colorless mouse to an outspoken siren, Daisy starts attracting the wrong sort of attention from two very different men - the sexy new chief of police and a determined killer who is sure Daisy has seen something she shouldn’t have. Which one will get to her first?

The first half of the book detailing Daisy’s early midlife crisis is slow and plodding with an excessive amount of detail on her transformation. The second half, however, is exciting and action packed, and the romance is fantastic.

Daisy and Jack Russo’s relationship incorporates the best aspects of the “opposites attract” trope and their banter is simply wonderful.

Daisy is an endearing heroine although she is quite naive, far too trusting and not all that observant. On the other hand, this could be explained away by her secluded lifestyle and small-town upbringing.

Jack is a man on a mission! What’s not to love about a sexy alpha male in pursuit of the woman who pushes all of his buttons?!

The suspense plot has incredible potential and the prologue is quite dark and troubling. Unfortunately, this does not really play out in the book itself and the gritty theme of human trafficking is underplayed. Nevertheless, the climax plays out well and the resolution is satisfying.

Overall, Open Season is my first Linda Howard book and I enjoyed it enough to read another.
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