Reviews

Heartbreaker by Linda Howard

nl4's review against another edition

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3.0

it was a good book, she writes well

court_caitlin's review against another edition

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3.0

While the plot is good (crazy ex after the main female character), I thought it was pretty sexist in its own way. John (the male lead) has had the hots for Michelle since she was 18 and he is all about protecting her, etc. Which I totally get. Except. There are just too many scenes where he is an asshole in his own right about protecting her. The other books in the series are all really good, but this one is my least favorite of the four. John is just kind of old-fashioned about women's roles and is quite irritating about halfway through.

gossamerwingedgazelle's review against another edition

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3.0

If gaslighting, victim blaming, and sexism really bother you, you should probably avoid this book. I spent the whole first chapter mentally shouting at the main female character to just headbutt the main male character in the nose every time he kissed her. She didn't listen to me, though. Disgusted, I read the reviews and decided I was willing to put aside my objections. It was a fun read, and I spent half the book weeping. However, it was definitely dated. Anyway, it is fun and a quick read if you are willing to put up with the sexism.

wellactjoally's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

Audiobook. Florida rancher. Breast erection? Gender essentialism. Domestic violence, misogyny and all the ways it can fuck a woman. Florida cattle ranch. Divorce as bad. “Schizo” as a pejorative. Built her a house. Surprise pregnancy. 

bunnycherry's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

arinnroberson's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Inherited from Grandma. Well the sexism was real and the possessive qualities high. OUR "Hero"had villain levels of possessiveness and his opinion of the heroine in the bingeing was absolutely disgusting, (blackmailing for sex luckily that doesn't go far or last long but puke) however in comparison to the actual villain I guess out ML was not that possessive. Despite that is was mildly entertaining and not badly written if the John just wasn't such controlling dude who thought taking care of her was spoiling and pampering. luckily she didn't think that about herself.

riskyduck's review against another edition

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1.0

She's stupid, simple, and not an admirable heroine.

He's so ridiculously alpha he should should be peeing on trees.

The plot is predictable and unoriginal.

deeangel85's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.0

laurenjodi's review against another edition

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5.0

Heartbreaker
4.5 Stars

Series note: This is book #3 in Howard's Rescues series; however, it is only loosely connected to the first 2 and can easily be read as a standalone.

John Rafferty and Michelle Cabot have a difficult history, but when Michelle's father dies and she inherits his mountain of debt, she has no choice but to approach John for help. John and Michelle's love/hate relationship is intense and satisfying. Their chemistry simply sizzles on the page.

While John is more than a little overbearing and possessive, his obvious love and intense desire for Michelle is very appealing and more than compensates for some of his more questionable actions.

Michelle is an interesting mix of opposites. On the one hand, she is very strong and resilient in confronting the trauma of her past as well as her attempts to stand up for herself on the face of John's arrogance. On the other hand, she caves too easily to his demands and has several TSTL moments.

The minor suspense plot takes a back seat to the romance and the villain comes across as pathetic rather than threatening. I'm not a fan of Howard's attempt to rationalize his actions.

Overall, a delightful read, and I'm looking forward to the last book in the series.

shan198025's review against another edition

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3.0

This was more a 2.5 star book but I'll go higher. I'm torn about this book. On one hand John is hot, uber alpha male. On the other he's uber alpha male. LoL he is way too " I'm the man. I know what's good for you."
I read this now because it's supposed to be in a series with "Midnight Rainbow" & "Diamond Bay" but the tie in is only a brief mention of Kell Sabin and the deputy from DB.