So, obvs, Linda Howard just telling readers that the couple is in love is pretty much just how she rolls. Generally, the lady decides she is in looove with the dude, even though she knows jack-all about him and the dude decides that the lady is "his" but he "doesn't know what love is" but clearly something is up (that's how to tell it's true love btw, because the dude has a perpetual boner). She does this in a lot of what books of hers I've read, but the Mackenzie series in particular relies very heavily on this.

I mean, I really liked this book, even though Instalove bugs the fuck out of me. It's just really lazy. I mean, it's a romance novel, yeah? I know it's going to end with the couple in love, so what I want is the journey to the Iwhy they end up in love, but she puts the cart before the horse and I just can't understand it.

Anyway, that's a lot of complaining for a book I did actually like, but like most of Howard's stuff, even when I'm kind of annoyed, I just can't stop reading ? ( )

3.5 stars ( )

Mackenzie's Mission
4 Stars

Navy SEAL Zane Mackenzie is accustomed to dangerous missions, but his current assignment, rescuing Barrie Lovejoy, the daughter of a United States Ambassador, is turning out to be far more critical and personal because Barrie has come to mean everything to him. Zane can only hope that the feeling is mutual…

Linda Howard’s books, in general, and the adventures of the Mackenzie family, have been a highlight of my 2015 reading year. Although Barrie and Zane’s story isn’t exactly a literary masterpiece, it is a fun read for when one is in the mood for some lighter fare.

Like his father and siblings, Zane’s gorgeous facade conceals a darker side. His experiences as a Navy SEAL have exposed him to the dangerous face of humanity and it has made him rather cynical. Barrie’s sweet innocence brings out the protector in him, but that isn’t to say she is mild or meek. She faces the circumstances of her abduction with a strength and courage that one does not expect from the spoiled and pampered daughter of a diplomat.

Zane and Barrie’s romance is somewhat unrealistic given not only the situation in which they are in (on the run from terrorists in Libya), but also their backgrounds and personalities. Nevertheless, it works mainly due to Barrie’s openness and Zane’s possessiveness.

While the first half of the book focuses on Zane and Barrie’s intense and steamy relationship, the second revolves around the mystery of her kidnapping and exposing those behind. This is the weaker aspect of the story as the explanation is underdeveloped and contrived. That said, the climax and resolution are action packed and exciting.

All in all, a sweet romance and the updates on the other Mackenzie’s are an added bonus. ( )

This romantic suspense had lots of exciting action from beginning to end. I could believe the progression of the relationship because of the extreme circumstances. I liked the honesty of the hero and heroine. SEAL Zane and his team are sent to rescue kidnapped ambassadors daughter Barrie.
( )

Didn't like it all that much pretty much until the last three chapters. Found it really fast pacedvwithout a lot of relationship and characters development. Though the epilogue was so incredibly sweet and funny that the book ended on a much higher note than I thought it would. ( )