Title: To Die For
Author: Linda Howard
Publishing Date: 1995
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: A-
Sensuality: Hot
Blair Mallory had been on three dates with Wyatt Bloodsworth when he leaves and never calls her back. He doesn't explain why he walked away, from what was turning into a very serious relationship. For two years Blair hadn't had nary a word from him until she witnesses a murder in the parking lot of the gym she owns. Wyatt is a lieutenant on the police force. After fearing that it was Blair who has been shot, he narrows his focus to one thing, and that is to get Blair back. Blair however is having none of it. If Wyatt hurt her once than he is definitely capable of hurting her again.
To Die For is told in the first person from Blair's point of view. I found Blair's narration of the story to be very funny and personable. It seems as if Blair is your close friend and she is retelling the story of how she and Wyatt fell in love.
Wyatt and Blair's courtship is a battle of wills. Wyatt wants Blair and Blair wants Wyatt to suffer for walking away two years ago without a backward glance or an explanation. She is going to make sure Wyatt works hard to get her back. Wyatt is a former football player and to say he loves a challenge is an understatement. What Wyatt wants Wyatt gets and most of the time he doesn't play fair. That's okay because Blair can be just as sneaky and underhanded as him. This leads to some of the most memorable scenes in any book I've read.
The conversations between Wyatt and Blair are very well done. They are what make this book so great. Wyatt is your typical manly man and not one to talk about his feelings. These conversations are essential and give insight into what Wyatt is thinking and feeling. This is really important since the book is told from Blair's point of view.
The mystery portion of this book was very weak. It didn't bother me so much because I was much more focused on the romance, but it might really bother readers who are mystery buffs. When I read the book the first time I didn't even notice the ridiculousness of the killers identity. Even with the new awareness of To Die For's weakness, I still found it a very enjoyable read and it still remains a favorite.
10 comments:
I LOVE this book! Each and every time I read it I laugh along with it. I know a lot of readers don't like Blair - but I adore her. And Wyatt - he's such a hoot.
Howard does write great dialogue, doesn't she? And I always love the interactions between her H & H. I haven't read this one, mostly because I have an ingrained prejudice against first person, but I've been working on that. So maybe I'll pick this one up.
This is one of my favorites of Howards. Loved Blair and Wyatt battling it out. Definitely a LOL type of book.
I think this was the first Linda Howard I read, and I loved it despite the dodgy suspense plot. The pink hammer sealed the deal.
I need to give this book another chance, sigh. I bought it, start to read it and felt meh.
For me, this was good, but not as great as I expected it to be.
Blair got on my nerves pretty much from the first page, and that's the reason I'm waiting a while before I read the next book.
Seneca, Yes I can see where a reader will either love or hate Blair. Personally, I loved her. Her personality is so well defined. But yep, she is not for everybody.
Nath, Like Seneca, Blair may just not be your thing. If you didn't like it, I say move on. No worries.
Kat, Yes! I loved the pink hammer scene. God, what a riot. It makes me smile just thinking about it.
Great book, cracked me up all the way through. Good choice.
When Wyatt comes for Blair while she is at the beach!! HOT!!
I loved Blair and how she handles Wyatt. You have to read the sequel!
So many people have said good things about Linda Howard's books I really need to get caught up on readng the books of hers that own.
Thanks for great review, I'm going to have to go out and but this reread title as well.
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