Tis' the (Open) Season.There isn't much more to say than what this picture will cover because the word "condom" was used a couple dozen times in this book.There were seventy-two condoms purchased in the production of this story. Maybe she needed to warn Chief Russo to keep a close eye on aisle five at Clud's Pharmacy, because judging by the variety offered here, there were some hinky things going on in Hillsoboro. No, hinky was not a typo. I swore it was kinky the first time I read it, which would have been even more appropriate.You might want me to mention something other than the copious condom usage, perhaps?My thoughts about the success of the story itself : Open Season was a fun little small-town romance. I was surprised that the subject of sexual trafficking ended up being shoved to the background, given the seriousness of the prologue. In all honesty, I would have preferred the author to have shown more about the girls in the story and what they were going through, instead of focusing so much on Daisy's small-town adventures.This is my fourth Linda Howard book and while it was an entertaining read, it was not up to par with the last three books I read of hers, which were all on a four to four and a half star level (really, they were all fabulous). The story itself revolves around a woman discovering that she's ready to find a husband, so she gives herself a makeover and looks for men in all the wrong ways. The local sheriff is amused by this and playfully trails her to keep her out of trouble, where (as anyone would guess right away) sparks eventually fly. The suspense element is almost an afterthought, when Daisy ends up witnessing a murder and is dropped into the middle of finding out about an organized sexual slavery trade.But really, I should have just stuck to my game plan of showing off a wall of condom quotes because that's about all I'm going to remember from Open Season. However, I should leave some element of mystery and not give too much of it away, so I'll only leave you with one more excerpt. A peculiar expression crossed his face. "I'm not wearing the purple condom," he said, handing it back."It's grape.""What's wrong with blue?""It would make you look...frozen.""Trust me, it isn't frozen."She took out a cherry, of a particularly violent shade of red, and shook her head."What's wrong with that one?""Nothing, if you want to look infected."He flopped back on the bed and stared imploringly at the ceiling. "Isn't there a nice pink one in there? The bubble gum flavor?"She rooted around in the box, but couldn't find anything that could possibly be bubble gum flavored. "I've been stiffed. There's no bubble gum in here.""Swear out a warrant tomorrow," he said in growing desperation. "Try the watermelon."Sure enough, the watermelon condom was green. Daisy gave him an appalled look. "Gangrene."
This was a very charming little story. Honestly, the narrator probably gained it a 1/2 star to a star. That's not because the story isn't fun on it's own, it's just a bit on the lighter side (no angst, no over the top crazy) and the narrator did a good job keeping me engaged.Warning: The first chapter/prologue is disturbing as it sets the scene for the bad guys, who are into sex trafficking. Thank God it wasn't too graphic, but since it was told from one of the victims POV it was heartbreaking. It had me wondering if this wasn't one of Howard's angstier books, even though reviews said otherwise.I'll have to look up Howard's bio. She does southerners quite convincingly and often. Love that they marry in one of the Gatlinburg wedding chapels. Also got cracked up at Daisy's shocked avowal that she couldn't date Jack since he was "a yankee!". LOL - I used to be that way until I moved to a much more diverse southern town and got used to the dreaded species ;) I am joking. I've found Northerners are no better or worse than anyone else, but the blunt matter of speech is jarring to small town Southerners. I remember wondering what I'd done to anger or offend until I realized it was just a cultural difference. We like to beat around the bush down here. If we get straight to the point it means we're angry, don't like the person we're talking to, or are just plain rude/inconsiderate. However, now that I've know a lot more Northerners I'm sometimes impatient to get to the point while I go through the requisite good morning and how are you and blah blah blah before I can get to the friggin point on a issue at work. Damn Yankees have corrupted me!The hero, Yankee or no, was quite dreamy :) And the description of the puppy was just too perfect. Made me teary eyed for the lab mix who was the best dog I ever had. They are similar to Goldens in temperament and I absolutely wanted to either throttle or hug her to death as a puppy, sometimes both at the same time. Totally identifiable description. Nothing was safe, especially the water bowl.ETA: I'm not from Alabama, but have to admit that once I was visiting friends and went to a country music dance club in Huntsville that had chicken wire over the stage. No kidding. I think it was called Cotten Eyed Joe's, but clubs come and go. Another point for authenticity, Ms Howard!
What do You think about Open Season (2002)?
I really loved this book and it was so different from the other Linda Howard book I read several months ago. "MacKenzie's Mountain" was very good, but this was fun! Daisy was such an adorable character and Jack was the perfect boyfriend for her (even when she did not know it). Now, I cannot wait to read Linda Howard's other books! The hard part will be finding my next book to top this one. Thank-you, MelissaB for talking about this book a couple of weeks ago because I probably would not have read it had it not been for your comments!
—Ally72
I really liked this story.Jack and Daisy are amazing together.The writing, characters, and story are great. All I can say is.... I'm glad Daisy won't have to buy a "Party Pack" ever again:))
—Lady Heather
Written January 4, 20154 Stars - Well written, well thought out, well told and superbly well narrated - a great one!It was once again time for a Linda Howard story. This one was once recommended by Kathleen (4.5 stars). - Hopefully a great (with a lot of high ratings) m/f CR to be experienced in a 9 hrs audiobook edition.Glad and smiling as usual - Ms H gives me what I like.. Yet another excellent quality romance with a good thrilling suspense plot and two very lovely, or actually amusing funny, main characters from Linda Howard. ***********************************************************Open Season is a adorable "old style" romance about the still single, 34 years old, quite plain, smalltown librarian Daisy Minor. A 'girl' in "need" who does her hair, buy new clothes, put on makeup and start a "manhunting" project but instead for "bar-clubbing" meets the hot cop, Jack Russo. Jack is the quite new yankee police chief —a "stranger"— with a little gray at the temples but a really good future husband material as it turns out. ~ He shows to be Daisy's big luck in a lot of ways.Before we get to the grand end, there're a lot of cute bickering and funny fuss between these two lovesick protagonists. But so; a kiss, a few flattering words, hot wistful glances, and then it is fine fine. There are also some good suspense parts here about horrible trafficking (poor poor girls) and some nasty villains to hate. In other words; You get it "all" in one well-done package in Open Season. ~ With an adorable cute puppy and a lovely pink shimmering good old small-town feeling with you completely "free" as well. Who does not want to be there?***********************************************************The audiobook...Excellent narrated by Deborah Hazlett. Flawless and no doubt pleasurable. I'll watch for more of Ms. Hazlett's other works.*********************************************************** What's not to like? — Nothing.It's good to know there are a lot of books by writers like Linda Howard to pick up when you need something you know you will enjoy every single time. I LIKE - sure... still smiling
—Ingela
